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‘Excellent
customer support package’ boast manufacturers from across all industries.
‘It’s become somewhat of a cliché,’ says Chris Reeks,
trade sales manager for nationwide fabricator, Modplan
Limited. ‘But in truth, supporting customers is vital
for mutual growth.’
For Chris and the team at Modplan it’s not simply about quality product
and good delivery. ‘It’s about involvement and understanding,’
explains Chris, ‘which is often less tangible but far more valuable.
It means collaboration throughout the supply chain, encouraging a pro-active
approach and enabling quick reactions to customer needs.’
Working in partnership with suppliers, such as Veka plc, helps to ensure
that Modplan’s diverse customer base can meet future market demands
and stay ahead of the competition. Focussed product development to meet
future standards and trends in a dynamic market place, combine with other
resources and expertise to provide a host of support structures for the
end user, not least through the Network Veka programme.
As a keen advocate of Network Veka, Chris was delighted to witness the
recent attendance of the Big Rig at the KJM Group’s annual open day.
‘In Modplan terms, KJM are a new customer, as they have only been
purchasing from us for just under twelve months,’ continues Chris.
‘In fact, our first introduction was actually at a Big Rig event
that Modplan held last year at Castle Coombe racing circuit!’
With five installation teams and additional dedicated conservatory base
building teams, it comes as no surprise that the KJM Group has a splendid
showroom in Andover. For director Mick Burrell, the Group’s annual
open day provides the opportunity to demonstrate their quality products
and services first hand, in an informal environment. For the steady stream
of visitors this year, many of whom are expected to place orders in the
near future, the addition of the Big Rig offered a unique chance to view
and discuss product developments and experience a little of the partnership
philosophy that runs throughout the supply chain, providing the reassurance
of a solid, local reputation with the backing of a prestigious national
brand.
The Andover based KJM Group shares many similarities with fabricator Modplan.
Both companies commenced trading in the early 1980’s and have since
experienced steady and successful growth. Like most in the industry, both
have experienced a huge surge in the conservatory sector, a factor which
saw KJM establishing a separate conservatory division, which trades as
Stockbridge Designs. Although most of its business lies within the domestic
sector, KJM also undertakes a number of prestigious long term contracts
in the public and private sectors, so both companies need to fulfill the
requirements of a large customer base with diverse needs.
‘Time is a precious commodity for all our customers’ says Chris,
’but for a large company like KJM, with a solid reputation based
on dedication to customer care and attention to detail, control, transparency
and fast reaction times become paramount, which is where Modplan’s
operating systems play a vital role.’
Immediate access to information such as purchase prices, glass sizes and
the facility to add on-costs, are all available to customers through the
Modplan system, together with online ordering and the facility to produce
clear and professional quotations for presentation to the consumer. The
operating systems also provide internal links through order processing
and production operations, resulting in greater accuracy and efficiency
throughout the business.
‘When we originally sourced the system we used the same criteria
applied to all our suppliers’ Chris explains. ‘They had to share
our dedication to detail and provide assurance that our customers would
not experience any disruption during the installation and implementation.
That meant they had to be prepared to work closely with our internal team
and with our customers.’
For Chris and the team at Modplan demonstrating continuous improvement
through working in partnership is the key to ongoing growth and success.
‘I’m sure it was this business ethos which encouraged KJM to
choose Modplan as their fabricator’ concludes Chris ‘we are
confident that together we will develop a lasting working partnership
that will aid mutual growth.’
Tel: 01495 246844
Promotional
support from HW Plastics
These
days you can't launch a new product without a supporting range of promotional
goodies. For the launch of Elite 63 HW Plastics
has designed a range of items that are 'interesting, relevant, practical
and entertaining'.
Peter Hayes, Head of Marketing for HW Plastics Windows Division comments
‘Elite 63 is a great product available with shape and chamfer and
all the features you would expect from an innovative company like HW Plastics.
These include co-extruded seals, multi-chamber profile, an extensive range
of ancillaries and a comprehensive range of finishes.
‘We felt the system needed an equally innovative range of promotional
items so, as well as the usual range of literature aimed at all market
sectors we have also produced some more entertaining items. The highlight
is a stylish mug that when filled with hot liquid reveals the advert that
is the corner stone of the campaign - guaranteed to brighten up any tea
break.
‘The launch of Elite 63 has gone incredibly well. The level of interest
has been enormous, especially in Ireland. I am sure all the support and
materials that we provide will pique interest further, and then support
fabricators in their quest for sales.’
Sixty-Three
Winners in the Solaglas MSN Challenge 2004
Solaglas
MSN
has announced that sixty-three of the companies participating in the Solaglas
MSN Challenge 2004 qualified to win prizes by achieving their targets
for glass purchases. Sixty-three 12-bottle crates of wine are being despatched
this week, all in good time for the Christmas celebrations. In addition,
the company in each of the eleven promotional regions that exceeded its
target by the largest percentage won the stylish top prize of a 23"
flat screen Philips television. Again all of these prizes will be presented
to the winners before the Christmas holiday period.
'With sixty-three companies winning prizes in this year's Solaglas MSN
Challenge, the promotion was a real success. I am delighted that so many
customers were inspired by it and it was very pleasing to hear that many
customers had been saying how keen they were to win the top prize for
each region of a flat screen TV. With all prizes being delivered in time
for Christmas I am sure that the seasonal celebrations will be even more
fun this year!' says Kathryn Dalgleish, Marketing Manager for Solaglas
MSN.
'The idea behind this promotion was to offer something different to customers
rather than the standard price promotions that are the norm in the industry
and feedback from the participating companies has been very positive.'
Consideration is now being given to the Solaglas MSN Challenge 2005.
Tel: 024 7654 7400
Panels
and Pannini at Portal Products
'There's
no such thing as a free lunch', so the saying goes. Oh yes there is, according
to Portal Products which is inviting
customers and prospects to drop in for a factory tour and a bite to eat.
The
idea is the brainchild of National Sales Manager Haydon Statham, a self-confessed
foodie, who has played an instrumental part in the company's renaissance
over the past few months.
Since Haydon's return in the summer, Portal has achieved 99% of its deliveries
complete and on time. Now it wishes to share the secrets of its success
with existing and prospective customers - together with some congenial
hospitality!
‘There's so much going on now at Portal that we're encouraging customers
and prospects to come in and see how we are really making a difference,’
enthuses Haydon, recently back from a successful export sales trip to
Eastern Europe.
‘Drop in for a factory tour, see how our panels are made and how
we, as a panel supplier, can help your business. And of course, anyone
placing an order will certainly get a free lunch! Who says there isn't
such a thing?’
Portal Products is an international supplier of high quality PVCu door
panels and composite doors.
Tel: 08709 502346
Howarth
Timber Hosts Hands-On Uzone® Roadshows
Howarth
Timber and Building Supplies
has run a national Ultraframe Conservatory Roadshow at each of its 23
branches. The aim of the national roadshow campaign was to demonstrate
to Howarth Timber customers the benefits and ease of installing conservatories
with Ultraframe’s Uzone roof.
The most recent event, in Mansfield, was attended by 140 Howarth Timber
customers and was a huge success in demonstrating Uzone, the fitter-friendly
roofing system by the designer and manufacturer, Ultraframe.
Howarth Timber and Building Supplies, the UK’s largest privately
owned timber company, was delighted by the level of response. Pete Anstey,
Manager of Howarth Timber, Mansfield, said: 'The event was an overwhelming
success with a record number of orders placed on the day. We also had
fantastic feedback from those customers who attended.'
Howarth Timber has recently started distributing conservatories from Ultraframe
throughout its 23 branches. Neale Brewster, Product Development Manager
for Howarth Timber said: 'We had never felt that conservatories were products
suited to our market. However, when I learnt about Ultraframe’s Uzone
system and saw how quick and simple it was to install, it became obvious
that the independent builder could easily add conservatories to his services.
This is the reason we organised an opportunity for customers to have a
real hands-on trial of the Uzone roof.'
Key to the success of Uzone is the Clicklock technology, which means speedy,
practically bolt-free and virtually tool-free on-site assembly, making
it possible to install a roof in less than 45 minutes.
Pete Anstey added: 'We knew that many of our customers believed erecting
a conservatory roof was a complicated business and not worth the hassle,
time and energy. We also know that many of our customers build the base
for a conservatory but then leave the actual side frames and roof construction
for somebody else to install. With a typical Uzone roof being installed
in well under an hour, Ultraframe’s Uzone range obviously changes
all this. Uzone’s simple installation now offers the general builder
a very straightforward way to increase his turnover. The conservatory
roadshow we hosted was an interactive, relaxed way to make our customers
aware of this fact.'
Ultraframe and Howarth Timber and Building Supplies worked closely together
to produce marketing material for the roadshows, including flyers, which
were sent to Howarth Timber’s key target customer base. Ultraframe
provided a roadshow vehicle at each of the events. Ultraframe also provided
Uzone training for all Howarth Timber staff. Customers attending the roadshow
were offered special discounts and incentives from Howarth Timber for
attending on the day. Suppliers associated with conservatory build, such
as laminate flooring suppliers, also displayed at the event to ensure
everyone had the opportunity to maximise their potential sales.
Linda Doughty, Marketing Director at Ultraframe, said: 'Howarth Timber
and Building Supplies has been incredibly proactive in promoting these
events and making them a great success. From Ultraframe’s point of
view it was great to meet Howarth Timber staff and their customers face-to-face.
We are delighted that many of these customers have also agreed to attend
a training day at Ultraframe’s School of Excellence. This training
provides everything that those working in the industry need to know to
keep ahead with technical standards, new products and new installation
techniques. The training modules we offer cover all the basic elements
key to our customers’ ongoing success including sales, surveying
and installation.'
Installers who have experienced and loved the revolutionary Clicklock
technology of Uzone at the Howarth Timber roadshows will also be keen
to sample Ultraframe’s latest additions to the Uzone family, Uzone
Elevation and Elevation Plus. The introduction of Uzone Elevation transforms
the lean-to market adding contemporary styling options to meet the demands
of the younger conservatory purchaser looking for more space at a competitive
price point. Available off-the-shelf, Uzone Elevation, like the rest of
the Uzone range, is easy to handle and quick to install.
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk
Aztec
Conservatory Roof Systems’
customers demonstrated their competitive edge when the company hosted
a day of motor racing.
As part of an on-going programme of corporate entertainment to thank its
customers for their continued support, Aztec- a manufacturer of conservatory
roof systems- arranged the session at the Aintree racing circuit, Three
Sisters, one of the most exacting tracks in the UK.
Customers spent the day first getting the experience of driving exotica
such as a Ferrari 355, MG-ZRs and Formula Ford racing cars before competing
head-to-head in go-kart team races. Trophies were awarded for best performer
of the day, driver of the day and the winning go-kart team. Refreshments
including a non-stop barbeque were provided through the day to keep energy
levels high.
‘The adrenalin was really pumping, everyone had a brilliant time,
despite several 360° spins and departures from the track! All the
customers who came commented on what a superb experience it was, to the
extent that we would consider doing it again! It was especially enjoyable
as Three Sisters is our ‘home’ track, and where sequences in
our corporate video featuring Tiff Needell and the E-Type Jaguar were
filmed,’ said Gordon Cooke, Aztec technical sales manager.
The day was the culmination of the 2004 season of corporate entertainment
at Aztec. Added Colin Bennett, Aztec managing director, ‘The events
we’ve done this year have been huge successes, and all different
in individual style and to the usual corporate entertainment activities.’
Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:Enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk
Web: http://www.aztecsystems.co.uk
Wannabe
salesmen could get their 60 seconds of TV fame thanks to a Coventry business
couple who are planning to give the X-Factor’s Simon Cowell and Sharon
Osbourne a run for their money.
John and Ann Armstrong, who run Holbrooks-based double glazing company
U-fit.co.uk, hope to put potential
new recruits on the spot and in front of the BBC TV cameras in ‘The
U-Factor’, a drive to boost their workforce.
The event, due to be staged at Coventry Rugby Club after Christmas, will
be filmed by a crew from BBC Television – but the exact nature of
the project is currently being kept under wraps by Beeb bosses.
People from across the region are being invited to take part in the auditions
to recruit sales team members. Husband-and-wife team John and Ann will
take on roles similar to those of TV’s ‘Mr Nasty’ Simon
Cowell and fellow judge Sharon Osbourne in the hit ITV show the X-Factor.
They will be joined on the judging panel by U-fit’s general manager
Andy Savory.
Search
for Star Quality: (from left) U-fit’s Andy Savory, Ann Armstrong
and John Armstrong
Hopefuls for the sales team will be asked to stand on a giant ‘U’
and pick an item from a secret sales box, which they then have to sell
to the panel in 60 seconds in front of the TV cameras.
Mrs Armstrong said: ‘What people have got to do at the auditions
is attract our attention and stand out from the crowd, even if someone
comes in and does a song and dance routine or is dressed as a 6ft chicken
– as long as they demonstrate that they can sell themselves like
they could a product.
‘It’s about personality – they’ve got to show us they’ve
got the ‘U-Factor’. We need people to come in and perform like
stars as they would every day for this company.’
John, Ann and the U-fit team are no strangers to the world of TV. The
festive antics of the workforce were seen by millions of viewers in BBC2
documentary Office Christmas Parties, screened last December and January.
U-fit.co.uk was set up eight years ago by John and Ann Armstrong who say
that it has enjoyed phenomenal growth since it was launched. It specialises
in manufacturing do-it-yourself conservatories and the company is aiming
to boost its £3.2 million turnover by more than half by April next
year (2005).
Further information about the event is available from Ann on 024 7670
8123.
Alcan
Renews Sponsorship of World Champion Canadian Olympian
Alcan
Inc. announced on November 11th
that it will continue its association with Olympic and Paralympic champion
Chantal Petitclerc through to the year 2008. Alcan has been the Quebec
athlete’s major sponsor since 1998.
'Our
continued relationship with Chantal recognises the many contributions
she has made to the Alcan family, and reflects the respect and admiration
she so richly deserves as a history-making Canadian athlete,' said Travis Engen,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan 'We are humbled by the
magnitude of her success in Athens and look forward to supporting her
efforts over the next four years,' he added.
Chantal returned from the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in
Athens, Greece with an Olympic gold medal and five Paralympic gold medals.
To date, Chantal holds three world records, five Canadian records, four
Paralympic records, and one Olympic record, as well as numerous medals
in other international competitions.
'I am very happy that Alcan has decided to continue our partnership,'
said Ms. Petitclerc. 'All the support that I receive from my friends
at Alcan really gives me the energy I need to continue to perform like
I did in Athens,' she added.
In
keeping with Alcan’s shared value of teamwork, an additional component
has been added to the new agreement between Alcan and Chantal that will
provide Chantal’s long-time voluntary coach, Peter Eriksson,
with an Alcan bursury. Alcan hopes this additional financial support will
ensure the longevity of an exemplary team.
The new agreement between Chantal and Alcan ensures a partnership up to
and including the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, should Chantal decided
to continue her athletic career for four more years. In the intervening
years, Chantal Petitclerc will continue to travel, meet with Alcan employees
throughout the world, and share her recipe for success. In addition, she
will continue to wear Alcan’s colours during her competitions.
Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in
aluminium and packaging, as well as aluminium recycling. With world-class
operations in primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium as well as flexible
and specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina
processing, today’s Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its
customers’ needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs
88,000 people and has operating facilities in 58 countries and
regions.
Listers
has always been conscious that it needs to keep fighting off the competition
but one of the company's employees seems to have taken it a little further
than usual.
Chris Edwards, one of the key members of Listers conservatory roofing
team has beaten 22 contenders to become British Masters Champion.
Chris, who has worked for Listers for over two years, has been boxing
since he was 15 years old. He fights at the super bantam weight level
and the British Masters is his first major title.
The fight took place at the Kings Hall in Stoke and Chris finished the
fight in the third round with the resounding knockout of his opponent.
'It was a great accomplishment for me' says Chris, 'and to get a knockout
in just the third round made it all the better'.
'Chris' dedication to boxing is only equalled by his efforts in providing
the very best conservatory roofs for Listers customers. And with sales
well over 30 roofs a week and rising, he's certainly part of a knockout
team.' says the company.
Tel: 01782 205605
Email: mailto:sales@listertf.co.uk
A
Wet Weekend at Truckfest but Perfect Weather for Pilkington Activ™
The
weather may not have been kind to the event, but this year’s Truckfest
at Haydock Park – part of the UK’s ultimate truck touring event
– was the perfect opportunity for Pilkington
to show exactly what conditions its Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning
glass was made for. Attending the event for the third year running, Pilkington
Activ™ - represented by a special 40 tonne Pilkington Float Liner
vehicle – considered the weekend to be its best appearance yet, with
literally thousands of visitors crowding the vehicle despite the rain,
including some famous faces!
Truckfest
is the UK’s number one showcase for the road transport industry,
and a touring exhibition that usually encompasses four separate events
in Peterborough, Driffield in Yorkshire, Somerset and Edinburgh. However,
the show has proved so popular in recent years that a fifth event at Haydock
Park was added to this year’s calendar. Truckfest not only showcases
trucking innovations from fuel developments to accessories, but is also
a popular family weekend event, with many people camping in the showground
or nearby to soak up the atmosphere. Despite the bad weather, the Haydock
Park event – which took place 18th and 19th September – attracted
around 50,000 visitors on the Sunday alone and also played host to celebrities
such as Kerry McFadden and stars from TV’s Coronation Street.
Pilkington’s David Wignall was delighted with the response from the
public:
‘The original idea to take a Float Liner to Truckfest was first put
to us by Arnold Pye, a fitter from our haulage company, Nijman Zeetank,
and an old friend and colleague. We’ve been doing the event together
with Arnold ever since – we feel that it is not only great fun but
also a good promotional opportunity for Pilkington Activ™. The Float
Liner in itself is impressive for truck fans as its hydraulics are sophisticated
and it looks the business. But we also find that, as soon as people hear
about Pilkington Activ™ and see that it is a proven product, they
want it for their homes.
‘This was by far the best Truckfest we have done yet. There were
so many people queuing to get into Haydock Park that the cars blocked
the surrounding roads including the M6. Arnold had planned to demonstrate
the Float Liner in operation every hour, but we were so busy that he ended
up doing rolling demos instead! His wife Ann, who also helped us out that
weekend, actually ran out of promotional pens and leaflets for Pilkington
Activ™, such was the demand for information from visitors. We even
had celebrity visitors in the shape of Johnny Walker and Sally Bowsman
from Radio 2, who were very impressed with what they saw!
‘It was a fantastic weekend and we’d like to thank Arnold and
his wife Ann for giving up their valuable free time to attend the event
with Pilkington Activ™, and to Nijman Zeetank for the loan of the
Float Liner.’
Web: http://www.pilkington.com