Big Changes Planned To The Energy Ratings Label

It appears that there are pretty big changes afoot when it comes to the energy ratings label, the label system that was adopted unto windows few years ago to help home owners decipher which windows are better than others when it comes to energy efficiency.

But with Brexit set to begin on Wednesday, I’m not quite sure how much of these changes will apply to the UK. In a letter published last week by the Energy Saving Trust, this was what was stated would change:

EU

Energy labels to return to A-G range (the end of A+++)

Following negotiations between the European Parliament, Council and Commission, a deal has now been struck on how to replace the current energy labelling rating system (which ranges from G to A+++ for certain products) with a simpler and clearer A-G scale.

There are two main changes as part of the above:

A rescaling of all labelled products to return to an A-G scale. Different product types have different timeframes: for instance 15 months for white goods (dishwashers, fridges and washing machines), TVs and lighting appliances, a general six years limit for other products and a ‘slow track’ of 9-13 years for heaters and boilers. Once all A+ and above rated products are removed if 30% of a product type are in class A or 50% in class A+B then a further rescaling is also triggered.

Setting up a product database. This will make it easier for consumers to compare the efficiency of products and improve market surveillance. The database is expected to be operational from 2019.

These changes form part of a wider range of changes that are being brought in as part of the Energy Union package.

To be clear, these are new plans that will span across all products that have energy ratings labels. This does include windows here in the UK. So these are changes that would potentially affect us so long as they are done before we actually leave the EU.

I do also like the idea of a new product database with the aim of helping consumers compare the energy efficiency of products. In the vastness that is the world of consumer consumption, something like this is very much required.

No more A+++…eventually

I am happy to see that the powers that be have decided to scrap the use of multiple +’s once products have become more efficient than the original A band represented. It was something that was turning the energy ratings label scheme into a joke. It was difficult to be serious with a home owner about how efficient windows were when you kept having to repeat the word “plus” two or three times after explaining what an A rating was.

It is going, but not quickly. As the statement above reads, there is a timescale on how quickly this rescaling back to the A-G range will happen. White goods get it in 15 months, six years if products are classed as “general”, not sure what that means. If its items like boilers or heating, it’s 9-13 years. And you can bet your last old quid and first new shaped one that windows are going to be put in that last decade long category.

This is where I think these plans might start to lose their traction here in the UK. On Wednesday Theresa May will trigger Article 50, finally, which will see us start the negotiation process to leave the EU. The day after she is also due to lay down the framework for what is called The Great Repeal Act. This will be legislation that basically carbon copies all EU laws into UK law, where the Government will then have the power to strip away what isn’t required or relevant to the UK. So here’s the catch, you can only copy into UK law what’s already there, and I don’t think these plans have yet been ratified by the EU. So, the UK may leave the EU without these plans in place, which means we’re likely to have a Window Energy Ratings scheme for quite a few years where we are stuck with multiple +’s after the A rating.

Now, we have some negotiating to do with the EU. So it might be the case that the UK may get to use EU-wide energy ratings for windows in this country. In the grand scheme of things this is one of the smaller, insignificant details of the mass negotiations that will need to be done. But for us as an industry, this is a big talking point.

I am of the opinion that WERs lost any perceived value the minute +’s were being shoved on the end for when there wasn’t another letter to go to. It turned demonstrations of that part of the sales process stupid, and only served to confuse home owners rather than inform. If we’re going to stick with this system, then it most definitely needs to be brought back to the A-G scale and nothing more. No +’s, no other symbols, just a letter and a number. That’s all that scale needs. Simple.

By the looks of the statement this all needs to be done by 2019. Which just so happens to be the year we’re supposed to leave the EU. Wonder if this will be something else kicked into the long grass for another year?

UPDATE:

I was tweeted this morning by Phil Brown, from Pilkington, to give clarity on the proposed changes to the Energy Ratings Label:

So it would appear that these changes will not apply to the UK Window Energy Ratings. In which case, we will be stuck with A ratings that have numerous +’s tagged on the end of it.

I would call upon BFRC to look at what is being proposed in Europe and amend here too. As there isn’t yet a pan-European Window Energy Ratings label, that appears to be the reason why these changes would not apply to us. There are plans for such a thing, but I think it would be unlikely to affect the UK as Brexit begins tomorrow and anything that isn’t law now isn’t going to be carried over via the Great Repeal Bill.

Nothing to get excited about in the end.

With recent investments in machinery and the expansion of its facilities and product ranges, including a ‘complete composite door solution’, Bootle based ODL Europe is now introducing some of the names behind the brand, all of whom will be present at The FIT Show in May, and on-hand to advise customers on the latest product innovations.

Heading up the business is ODL Europe’s managing director, Mark Towers. Mark is very well known in the industry and has a vast experience covering over 30 years within building products and the home improvement manufacturing sector. Mark is described as a ‘hands-on’ director, keeping a firm eye on quality and ensuring that ODL keeps apace of the changing consumer tastes and trends in the market. With an ‘unsurpassed knowledge’ of the industry, ODL says that Mark can be relied upon to give fabricator and installer customers ‘an exemplary service with keen attention to every detail’.

Mark’s ‘right hand man’ at the office is finance manager, Steve Ellison. A familiar contact to many of the company’s customers and suppliers, Steve is said to fulfil an ‘essential role’ in ensuring that the finances of the business and its trading divisions are all tightly managed. Steve is the first point of contact for any customer matters relating to invoicing, administration and distribution of orders.

On the sales side for internal blind systems, under the Blink Blinds brand, there are two recent additions; Garry Wilson and John Evans who both joined the team in 2016.

With Garry heading up sales in the North of England and Ireland and John looking after blind sales in the southern regions, both are described as ‘highly experienced’ in the home building products manufacturing industry and well placed to assist their growing base of installers and fabricators up and down the country.

Late in 2016, ODL Europe launched its composite door brand, Aperture Solutions. Heading the sales and technical role for this division is Steve Kendal, joining the business from his previous role at Capstone.

Steve has extensive expertise on the design, technical and manufacturing aspects of the composite door product range and is well-known to many in the home improvement building products sector. Steve will be delighted to be demonstrating the full capabilities and benefits of the new door range at FIT in May.

Managing director, Mark Towers, commented: “One of the most important objectives for the business and one we see as essential, is having the right team on board. This has been a part of our longer-term strategy as we have invested heavily to develop our product ranges and technical manufacturing capabilities.

“Now we are in a position of having the best of both worlds, with great facilities and the right people on board to spearhead our business growth. We very much look forward to showcasing our latest innovations at FIT in May.”

ODL Europe will be on stand D35 at the FIT Show.

www.odleurope.com

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Swish Windows and Doors is that rare thing in the UK window and door industry: a brand that is widely recognised by homeowners. And whilst the power of consumer branding is a major factor in the popularity of Swish amongst fabricators and installers, continuous development of products and support services are also driving sales.

In fact Swish is undergoing one of the most comprehensive updates in the brand’s history with new products, new colours and greater choice all round. The new back edge detail broadens the appeal of Swish in addition to fabricators now able to dip into a hugely extended options list, the result of integration with sister products from the Epwin stable. This includes a range of ancillaries that increases sales opportunities and boosts competition by allowing greater choice by homeowners.

And now there’s special attention for Swish installers with the introduction of the Excellence as Standard installer support scheme.

With the core aim of enhancing loyalty and trust between installers and their homeowner customers, Excellence as Standard sets out to provide clear, recognisable and measurable standards for service and product quality. The ultimate goal of the scheme is to measurably improve the performance and earning power of every member.

Swish returns to the FIT Show to provide the perfect opportunity to meet existing and potential Swish dealers and talk about the future face-to-face. Head for stand B34, adjacent to the Master Fitter Challenge Pavilion.

www.swishwindows.co.uk

Long-established family fabricator Dempsey Dyer is welcoming another member of extended Dyer clan to the fold, as Mark Suaznabar becomes uPVC compliance and quality manager.

Mark, husband to Rachel Dyer and brother-in-law to managing director Peter, joins the firm after a distinguished career in the police. For twelve and a half years, he served as an officer in the Metropolitan force, before moving to Nottingham and eventually becoming a Detective Constable specialising in fraud investigations.

At Dempsey Dyer, Mark will be charged with ensuring that all products meet the company’s stringent quality standards, as well as comply with the increasing array of accreditations the fabricator is able to meet.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Dempsey Dyer,” comments Mark. “I’m obviously already extremely familiar with the business, and I’ve always hugely admired the passion and dedication Tom, Peter and the rest of the family have for what they do.

It’s also an exciting time to join the firm. We’ve set ambitious targets for the year ahead, and we want to significantly expand the uPVC side of the business. For forty years now, we’ve boasted one of the industry’s most extensive ranges of Deceuninck doors and windows – and it’s going to be my job to ensure that our customers continue to get the exceptional quality they’ve come to expect from Dempsey Dyer.”

Peter Dyer comments: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming Mark to the team! His hard work, dedication and attention to detail will be an asset to Dempsey Dyer – and as we continue to expand our already extensive range of accreditations, his role will only get more important. We want to be able to offer our customers the greatest possible assurance, and allow them to meet the demands of any property – and that’s why it’s our aim to become the UK’s most accredited fabricator.”

Founded in 1977 by brothers Tom and Robert Dyer, and now run by Tom’s son Peter, Dempsey Dyer has expanded to become one of Yorkshire’s foremost provider of timber and uPVC doors and windows. The company’s relationship with Deceuninck stretches back over 30 years, with the two firms collaborating to produce Dempsey Dyer’s signature Beaumont window range, mechanically-jointed uPVC frames with an authentic woodgrain appearance.

For more information call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk

Goliath Homeworld – a founder member of installer support organisation, Network Veka – is celebrating more than £5m in sales registered directly through the two organisations’ partnership.

Cannock based Goliath, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in May, helped form Network Veka in 1996. At that time, the home improvement industry was reportedly suffering from ‘a stigma of unscrupulousness’; the result of fly-by-night salespeople whose low standards, high prices and nonexistent after-sales support had particularly affected the double glazing trade.

Stephen Hancox, managing director at Goliath explained: “Network Veka was conceived to help installers demonstrate that they uphold the highest standards; not just in using industry leading systems from The Veka UK Group, but also in their levels of service, installation and aftercare. That unbroken chain of quality – from extrusion to certification – is a USP in our industry that homeowners understand and value.

“I’ve sat on the Network Veka steering group since day one, and when I see sales figures like these, not just for Goliath, but any member company achieving such results, I feel immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last two decades.”

Of the more than £5m Goliath has registered in Network Veka sales, an amazing £922k was posted in 2016 alone, with the company averaging customer satisfaction ratings of 99.2% over the course of the year.

“To qualify for the Network’s 10-year insurance-backed guarantee, customers must first complete a satisfaction form,” Stephen continued. “It gives the Network and its members a really clear picture of how they’re performing, alerting both parties to any issues. Only businesses that maintain the high standards required to become members are allowed to continue in the organisation.

“Throughout my years with Network Veka, the organisation’s core values have always remained the same: to uphold professional integrity and credibility and encourage members’ success through the customer confidence this creates. It’s the Network’s developments though, that have served to keep it at the cutting edge – both for current and prospective member companies, and homeowners. Recently the Network has focussed on raising awareness and winning trade directly from consumers, and I’ve no doubt this has contributed to Goliath’s remarkable sales figures.”

Karen Lund, head of partner programmes for The Veka UK Group commented: “Stephen and the Goliath team have been instrumental in the development of Network Veka from the start. These figures further cement them as brilliant ambassadors for the organisation, and we congratulate them on this fantastic achievement, and thank them for their ongoing efforts. Well done!”

www.networkveka.co.uk

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Boavista is bringing what it claims is Europe’s first full range of sustainable fibreglass window frames to the UK.

The new range, which is said to ‘set new industry standards’ in sustainability, durability and performance, includes a tilt and turn, sash, casement and sliding window and door product, all of which are reportedly 100%t recyclable and deliver longer lifecycles than uPVC and aluminium frames as a result of fibreglass’s inherent qualities.

Boavista’s rigidity also enables its sliding windows and doors to withstand single panes that weigh in excess of 250kg, which is approximately 150 per cent more than its aluminium and PVC-U counterparts. This means that those wishing to incorporate glass as a major design feature no longer need to commission and fit specialist, structural glass.

Boavista is exclusively available to the UK through Boavista Windows UK, a company formed by the team behind Meronden Designs, a 20-year-old firm that has provided bespoke glazing for the Lloyds Building, Tiffany & Co. Selfridges in Manchester and Ernst & Young’s iconic More London Place building.

Using the latest in pultrusion technology Boavista’s fibreglass frames are created by pulling resin-soaked glass fibres through heated dies – a process that only consumes 0.07 kilowatt to produce a linear metre of window frame weighing approximately 1kg.

The result is a frame with high thermal and acoustic properties that enables the window to retain heat whilst providing an effective barrier to sound.

The company expects Boavista’s UK arrival to be welcomed by architects and housebuilders as a result of the window’s minimalist design and stylish finish. Fibreglass also expands in line with window glass, removing the need for unsightly gaskets generally required to hold the pane in place and adding aesthetic value to a development.

On launching Boavista in the UK Neil Puttock, managing director of Boavista Windows UK, commented: “Boavista provides an alternative window product that offers those who use it the opportunity to contribute towards reducing the UK’s carbon footprint without compromising on design, function or form. From the perspective of an architect or homeowner, fibreglass frames open up a world of possibilities by supporting adventurous designs that, up until now, have been prohibitive due to the cost associated with incorporating bespoke glazing solutions.”

Neil concludes: “There really is no comparison between Boavista and other window products currently on the market. We now need to make the case for fibreglass and inform those who naturally turn to PVC-U and aluminium just what fibreglass is capable of.”

www.boavistawindows.co.uk

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Truemans’ managing director, Joe Trueman, will join the Stevenswood senior management team as commercial director

Truemans Holdings Limited (Truemans) has been acquired by Stevenswood Trade Centres Limited (Stevenswood).

Established in 1997 and headquarted in Livingston, Scotland, Stevenswood operates a network of 25 trade centres across Scotland, the north of the England and the South East, distributing windows and doors to the installer market.

The coming together of Truemans and Stevenswood is said to reflect the ‘mutual strategic commitment’ to become the leading trade counter distributor of windows and doors in the UK. The collective focus from Truemans and Stevenswood is to build a customer-led business with improved stores, an enhanced product range and a consistently excellent service offering. The alignment of goals, values and vision, offers significant benefits for both organisations and builds on the strong business that Truemans have developed over many years.

Strategically, this acquisition presented the perfect opportunity for further expansion, as the Truemans stores complete gaps in Stevenswood’s presence in England. Operating four trade counters in Burnley, Doncaster, Sheffield and Crewe, with another scheduled to open in Reading in spring 2017, Truemans employs 41 people and were forecast to achieve revenue of £10m in 2017. Now the combined group will have more than 30 branches across the UK, generating revenues of over £40m and employing over 165 people.

Truemans’ managing director, Joe Trueman, will join the Stevenswood senior management team as commercial director filling an important role to drive Stevenswood’s continued growth strategy. Joe Trueman commented: “This is the perfect partnership for two businesses which share a commitment to the highest standards of customer service. There are great opportunities across the sector and the alignment of our goals, values and vision, offers significant strategic benefits for both organisations. I look forward to joining the Stevenswood team to accelerate our combined growth strategy, while providing the widest product range and highest levels of customer service in the industry.”

John Declerck, group chief executive of Stevenswood, said: “The coming together of Truemans and Stevenswood underlines our mutual strategic commitment to become the leading trade counter distributor of windows and doors in the UK. Our collective focus is to build a customer-led business with improved stores, an enhanced product range and a consistently excellent service offering.”

With the backing of specialist investment firm, Cairngorm Capital Partners, Stevenswood will be making significant investment in the business, increasing the network of trade centres over next five years, to build a national distribution network offering an extensive range of windows and doors, alongside a range of other complimentary products sourced from third parties.

Source: www.truemanswindows.co.uk

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Image Above: James Turner

In keeping with development plans for both people and infrastructure, Wakefield based fabricator Conservatory Outlet has appointed a new Head of IT to drive forward the technological systems at the 60,000 sq ft site in Thornes Lane Wharf.

James Turner came into post on 13/03/17, taking on this significant role for the company, tasked with leading, managing and continuously developing all Information and Telephony Technology activities of the business.

With a strong background in IS&T Management, James is equipped with insight and experience in core business development, providing effective and prioritised solutions, accompanied by an excellent track-record for successfully delivery change.

James will work closely with decision makers in all departments at Conservatory Outlet to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support technology solutions for all aspects of the organisation.

Conservatory Outlet currently serves 24 retail partners across a UK- wide network, manufacturing some of the most innovative, high quality windows, doors, and outdoor living spaces on the market. James’ role will enhance the customer journey for each of the partners, providing strong leadership and direction to ensure the implementation of services to benefit the ordering, manufacturing and delivery processes.

James said “I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to take on this exciting new role. There is a lot to look forward to, however, due to the nature of technology, there will inevitably be challenging times ahead.  I believe that I have the skills and knowledge required to deliver this role successfully, bringing notable results in the IT systems and infrastructure which is sure to benefit both customers and employees alike.”

Conservatory Outlet Managing Director Greg Kane said “We were looking for someone with a high calibre of knowledge and experience to motivate and drive this aspect of our business forward, and James certainly fits the bill.

As a Network we’ve experienced a vast amount of growth in a relatively short space of time; the appointment of James falls in line with our progression and development plans for the coming years, making sure we are in great position for the next phase of our sustained growth strategy – including the introduction of new products, machinery, and network partners.”

Phoenix Doors will unveil a number of new developments on stand C58 at the FIT Show that will include new composite door styles, contemporary glazing designs and a new multi-point entry lock.

Sharing the stand with parent company MASCO UK Window Group, the PVC door panel and GRP composite door manufacturer will unveil its latest initiatives following significant investment in larger premises, plant and personnel aimed at delivering customer service improvements all round.

Visitors to the stand will be able to see and learn more about the expanded County Collection composite door and Meridian 70mm double-rebated composite door ranges and how they can offer yet more customer choice, including bespoke colours.

Haydon Statham, Phoenix Doors’ Sales Director comments: “Now that all our production capability is under one roof, we have more space and much greater flexibility to respond to customer requirements, such as two new paint spraying facilities to meet continuing high demand for coloured doors.

He adds: “As a complete door solution company for the retail replacement market, we’re broadening our whole product portfolio to help ‘open doors’ for our customers to gain more business. The FIT Show provides the ideal opportunity to showcase our exciting offers for both installers and fabricators. We look forward to meeting you there!”

For more information, please call Phoenix Doors on 01487 740469, email info@phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk or visit the website at www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk.

The subsidiary of Press Glass SA, Glass Systems Group, has acquired two UK Pilkington group factories and their order book.

The acquisition was formally proceeded by Glass Systems North Limited, a company intentionally created for this purpose and directly dependent on Press Glass UK Limited.

The factories are located in Cumbernauld near Glasgow and in Barnsley. The factory in Cumbernauld is to operate as Glass Systems Scotland, the factory in Barnsley is to operate as Glass Systems AG.

Glass Systems North has also acquired Cervoglass, offering conservatory glass, increasing its share of the Glass Systems Group companies in the residential market in the United Kingdom by approximately 20%.

The Glass Systems Group operates in six factories, located, in the United Kingdom, in Swansea, Port Talbot, Cardiff, Peterborough, Cumbernauld and Barnsley.

Press Glass SA offers a portfolio of products for the commercial market under its original brand Press Glass in the UK.

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