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Sun
Trade Opens Second Branch - Many More Planned
Sun
Trade Windows celebrated the opening of its
second Trade Counter in the Cheney Manor area of Swindon recently with
a customer Open Day.
The
event, which was supported by senior Sun Trade Managers and representatives
from suppliers REHAU, Global and Yale, attracted builders and window installers
from across Wiltshire.
Swindon is Sun Trade's second branch in the south of England and will
be followed by a number of further openings during 2006 as the manufacturing
and distribution company rolls out an ambitious expansion programme.
The first branch in Bristol, which opened in September 2005, is already
trading well and has more than justified the company's belief that there
is a strong and growing market in the south for a high quality, high specification
REHAU-Tritec window with fast turnaround and delivery.
Steve Patterson, Sun Trade's National Trade Counter Manager, was delighted
by the customer response at the Open Day. He said:
‘Customers like REHAU because it is easy to sell, easy to fit and
doesn't result in call backs. However, customers in the south want a supplier
which is on their doorstep and with whom they can develop a real relationship
rather than a giant, faceless manufacturer hundreds of miles away.
‘We have worked hard to create what we believe is just the right
formula in Sun Trade and have the resources and commitment to build this
business into a major player across the region.
‘Sun Trade differs from most other trade counter outlets because
it specialises only in REHAU windows manufactured to the highest quality
standards with full 10 year guarantees and because each branch is managed
by an experienced window installer who can offer practical and knowledgeable
advice.’
At Swindon, the manager is Graham Raper, a 20-year veteran of the industry
who welcomed customers to the Open Day with a number of special offers
and giveaways including free tools and promotional prices.
The third Sun Trade branch is scheduled to open shortly in the Southampton
area. Further details will be released shortly.
Tradesmen
Get the Lead Without Advertising
A
cost effective pay-as-you-go system of providing business leads to reputable
tradesmen and suppliers with no join up fee or contract has been launched
in the UK. Quotatis says that its transparent tried and tested system
will text, email or fax the requested amount of qualified leads in the
preferred regional area, giving tradesmen and suppliers total control
of their business growth.
Quotatis says that it is a marketing solution that isn't a 'lottery' -
qualified business leads are communicated instantly to the right profession
in the right area as soon as the request is registered online. Quotatis
is committed to contacting only five businesses that match the request,
allowing the interested party looking to compare quotes as advised by
trading standards and the recently launched Government-backed Trustmark
scheme. A stringent vetting procedure has also been put in place to ensure
tradesmen and suppliers using the Quotatis service are of the highest
standard and comply with any regulations within their trade.
Derek Vaughan, Managing Director of Quotatis comments:
'Businesses spend hundreds on advertising, business directories and direct
mailings with no guaranteed return, which can often cripple a small one
man band. Quotatis is unique in giving the tradesmen or supplier total
control as they can pay for as many business leads in their area when
they want them without any commitment.'
Quotatis estimates that a total of 1000 leads will be generated each day
through internet optimisation and affiliate programs. Leads will cost
£12 per domestic lead, £15 per B2B lead and are collected
by direct debit monthly.
For more information visit http://www.quotatis.co.uk
or call 0870 922 0321
Prime
Windows Receives Radio and Internet Boost
Effective
use of the radio and internet are just two of the ways Conservatory
Outlet helps members target homeowners. Nationally 63% of adults
listen to commercial radio and 48.2% have access to the Internet. Conservatory
Outlet offers ambitious and likeminded small and medium conservatory installation
companies the opportunity to join a team of growth focused companies nationwide.
As part of a complete support package Conservatory Outlet pays for marketing
to help dealers increase sales.
Sheffield-based Prime Windows received 28 enquiries the first month the
company used radio and internet advertising. ‘We were delighted with
the success of the radio and internet advertising because it is not something
we'd thought about before,’ explains Jonathan Toft, Prime Windows'
Managing Director. ‘Not only did we reach our target audience but
homeowners associated us with the Conservatory Outlet brand that is well
known for quality. This is just one of the benefits for Conservatory Outlet
dealers, and I know we will continue to profit from the marketing support
we receive from being a member.’
Tel: 08700 802380
Martindales
Finishes Third in Uniroyal Fun Cup
The
roofline stockist, GAP, has a philosophy
to work hard and play hard. So when customer Phil Martindale asked GAP
to part-sponsor his entry in the endurance motor racing series Uniroyal
Fun Cup, it agreed.
Phil,
Managing Director of Martindales Ltd, has been a GAP customer for ten
years. ‘We provide repairs and replacement double glazing to insurance
company clients after break-ins and accidents,’ explains Phil. ‘Service
has to be our number one priority as some of our customers can be distressed.
‘Our suppliers have to work hard to keep delivery times to a minimum
so we can provide a quick turnaround in difficult circumstances. GAP meets
these demands every time.
When we decided to do the Uniroyal Fun Cup, we wanted to promote our suppliers
too. The season has been great. We finished second in the final race and
third overall in the season. Not bad as we missed one race completely
- my co-pilot was getting married!’
Tel: 01254 682888 (GAP)
Pilkington
Activ™ Speeds Ahead
When
Steve Simpson of Tudor Glass in Bury takes a break from his day job, he
is still surrounded by reminders of the Pilkington
product range he works with on a daily basis.
A keen and successful amateur rally driver, Steve's car is now emblazoned
with the logo of Pilkington Activ™, the world's first self-cleaning
glass. The car is a Hyundai Accent and the distinctive Pilkington logo
adorns the sides and bonnet of the vehicle.
Steve and his team-mate Mark Booth have been successful in their rallying,
winning the prestigious North West Stages in 2005, a motor sport event
held in conjunction with the Marie Curie Cancer Care Centres. Steve and
his car were recently on show in Blackpool, where dignitaries including
the Mayor of Blackpool took part in a photoshoot to celebrate his Stage
win. In the recent Tour of Epynt in Wales, Steve came an impressive fifth.
‘Having worked with Pilkington glass since I launched Tudor Glass
21 years ago, it was an obvious choice to use the company’s logo
and advertise its product,’ comments Steve. ‘I work with Pilkington
glass professionally. The launch of Pilkington Activ™ and Activ Blue™,
has added a new product to the range and I already have used it for a
number of applications. It seems only natural that the Pilkington logos
on the side and front of the car represent the driving force behind the
wheel!’
The
importance of an issue can be gauged by the amount of air-time it receives.
Concern for the environment is continuing to rise and with it, so is the
number of TV programmes showing how best to be eco-friendly. Aluminium
Roofline Products is appearing in one such show - 'The House
That Dick Built'.
The programme challenges Dick Strawbridge, TV presenter and winner of
Scrapheap Challenge, to turn a derelict listed farmhouse without electricity
or plumbing into a comfortable home with all mod cons. Not a straightforward
job even using modern engineering and construction methods. But the challenge
was made more 'interesting' when the BBC told him he had to create a sustainable
lifestyle while making the house as eco-friendly as possible.
Dick explains: ‘One of our first needs was for power. So we constructed
a waterwheel and hooked it up to a generator. Obviously this isn't something
that everyone who wants to create an eco-friendly home can do. But other
jobs we carried out can be replicated across the country. For instance,
when we came to restore the guttering we looked at replacing it with original
cast iron, but recycled aluminium coincided with our aim much better.
I researched suppliers and decided to go with Aluminium Roofline Products
because they were frequently recommended. John Hemphill came down from
ARP and stayed with us to help install it. It only took us two days to
install over 60 metres of guttering and aside from the guaranteed longevity
and the high recycled content we are really pleased with the aesthetics,
it perfectly picture frames the house.’
Tel: 0116 2894400
Web: http://www.arp-ltd.com
'The House That Dick Built' can be seen on BBC 2 in the spring.
New
Lorries to Follow in Safe Style
Britain's ever growing lorry-spotting cult has a new challenge this month
with a unique set of liveries to watch out for. This follows the introduction
by the Yorkshire-based Style Group of a fleet of six new articulated vehicles
worth almost £1/2 million with exceptionally lively and easily recognisable
star-studded livery.
The Style Group is an independent manufacturer, supplier and retailer
of PVCu replacement windows and doors and this month has introduced a
further six new articulated lorries to its countrywide transport fleet.
The vehicles have 40ft trailers which will distribute more than 6000 windows
and doors a week to the 12 Style Group depots across the United Kingdom.
Ready
for the road - Style Group's Chief Executive John Ross (right) and Transport
Manager Steve Moxon (left) check out the latest £1/2m eye-catching
additions to their transport fleet.
The
company says that the new fleet will be one of the most easily recognisable
on Britain's extensive road network with distinctive liveries throwing
out a new and interesting challenge to passing motorists and pedestrians
alike. The sides of the trailers will feature a long, flowing message
including the company's famous retail ‘Safe Style UK’ logo and
freephone number. These lead gracefully along to fun-packed rear door
areas which will have a series of six different designs and messages strongly
featuring the leading stars of stage and screen renowned for their roles
in the company's television and radio campaigns.
The stars include top-rated comedy duo fresh from the ‘I'm A Celebrity’
jungle, Cannon and Ball, former Coronation Street personality, Ken Morley
and assisting them will be the Style Group's own Geoff Brown and self-built
canvass coordinator-cum-TV personality, Bonny Brough.
John Ross, Chief Executive of the Style Group, explained: ‘The new
addition to our already extensive fleet will give the Group bigger and
better distribution of our market-leading products and, of course, increase
our overall efficiency. Most importantly they will be a strong and memorable
addition to our high profile marketing campaigns. The rear door areas
will be most eye-catching by featuring the stars of our every-day award-winning
advertising. Cannon and Ball get two designs with their popular television
message ‘Pick up the Pigging phone’ but with the equally strong
and safety conscious line: ‘But NOT while you're driving’! Ken
Morley also gets two with Geoff Brown and Tommy Cannon with our own, Bonny
Brough all portrayed with different ‘Bogoff’ messages.
‘In today's world of increasing grid lock, the new vehicles have
not only been designed to create interest but also remind our customers
of the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving. They will also provide
the lorry spotting brigade with something completely new to look out for
in 2006!’
Approved
Swish Installer Barry Gwinnett Building
& Joinery Services has made good a botched roofline installation that
featured on the BBC1 consumer watchdog programme Rogue Traders.
Barry
Gwinnett describes what he discovered when he visited the Wigan bungalow
where the cowboy traders were secretly filmed. 'They had removed the guttering
from the property then covered the existing rotten timber fascias with
capping boards.
'Then instead of removing the bottom row of tiles from the roof, they
had nailed a strip of felt across the top of the board before fixing it
in place, to make it look like the roof felt had been renewed. By the
time we visited to survey the job, the felt was flapping around and some
had completely blown off.'
The only course of action was for Barry and his team of fitters to completely
re-do the roofline. 'We took off the tiles and removed the cement that
filled the gap between them and the eaves beam. After making good the
roof felt, we installed Swish Over Fascia Ventilators with birdcombs and
replaced the rotten timbers withnew 25mm Bullnose Jumbo fascia boards,
before replacing the guttering with new white ogee.
'At last the homeowner has what she originally wanted - a smart, new roofline
that will keep its good looks with minimal effort. It's just such a pity
that she had to be subjected to these rogues in the first place,' concludes
Barry.
The BBC, Swish Building Products, Barry's supplier GAP and Barry himself
contributed to the cost of putting the job right for the homeowner.
The Swish Building Products Approved Installers scheme is designed to
give consumers confidence in the workmen they employ and the quality of
the products used. By joining the scheme, roofline installation companies,
such as Barry Gwinnett's, can show that they maintain high standards of
workmanship and that they meet Swish's criteria for the administration
of day-to-day contact with customers. All members of the scheme carry
certificates of registration.
Tel: 01827 317200
Web: http://www.swishbp.co.uk
Business
Tactix Ltd
to be precise, as the marketing consultancy that has just celebrated its
second birthday, continues to develop a loyal client base in the window
industry.
The
brainchild of marketing specialist, Damian Battle, ex Caradon Doors and
Windows (Duraflex, Celuform, GB Wendland) and Latium Group (Wendland),
Tactix has won significant recognition over the last two years working
for systems companies such as Profile 22, HIS Systems as well as Epwin
Group and Trade Lynks.
‘The initial strategy was to offer a truly flexible resource for
major players who either had great ideas but not enough time to make them
happen or had the resource but had run out of ideas!’ comments Damian.
‘As the market has got tougher we've seen demand increase for resource
to work at the coal face helping fabricators and installers get the basics
right. Clients such as Britannia Windows in the South West have shown
us there are exciting opportunities out there if you're prepared to get
your hands dirty and get stuck in.
‘The old fashioned consultant who advised you on your strategy, spoke
a foreign business language and then just left you to make it happen is
not what the industry wants. We've made a difference by helping sort out
the strategy then getting stuck in, implementing simple no nonsense, cost
effective plans. Fabricators and installers alike get the quality marketing
support they need at a fraction of the cost of employing someone.’
Tel: 07971 827640
Email: damian@businesstactix.co.uk
Web: http://www.businesstactix.co.uk
Enhanced
Marketing Support from Radiance™ Glass
Radiance™
Glass has been quick to develop a number of new and enhanced
marketing support materials to aid installers in the selling process.
A new consumer brochure and a showroom poster have been produced which
communicate the benefits of Radiance™ Glass and in particular, Radiance™
Activ which incorporates Pilkington Activ™ Blue within the unit.
Bob Lilley, managing director explains: ‘the new marketing materials
have been very well received by our existing customers and they are already
beginning to benefit from increased sales. We have a truly great product
and we can now back this up with a range of great support materials.’
The new support materials also include a number of 'fast facts', which
have been included to help installers and homeowners understand the key
features and benefits of Radiance™ Glass without the need for detailed
technical information.
For further information on Radiance™ Glass or to receive your free
copy of the brochure contact Radiance™ Glass on 01373 464051 or e-mail:
info@radianceglass.co.uk.