Attention all commercial installers! Astraseal launches Approved Commercial Installer Network – ACIN

Wellingborough-based Astraseal has established itself as a leading trade fabricator over decades of quality work, winning recognition for its commitment to customer support that goes above and beyond the call of duty – and recent years have also seen the booming business significantly ramp up its commercial activities.

Astraseal enters 2017 with a significant amount of commercial enquiries. Widely respected for its diligence, knowledge, and ability to reliably deliver on time and on budget, the firm has secured big contracts with housebuilders and other developers all around the country. Now, it’s looking for experienced, proactive installers capable of servicing projects ranging from £50k – £500k to become part of its new Approved Commercial Installer Network.

Astraseal sales & marketing manager Zac Nedimovic commented: “Our commercial services are more popular than ever, and that’s obviously fantastic – it goes to show how much the commercial sector appreciates our commitment to quality, customer service, and a track record of completing complex projects on time and on budget.”

“Our success commercially has resulted in our products being specified more than ever. Today, we’re receiving more and more projects to tender in areas we don’t normally operate in – and that’s where our new Approved Commercial Installer Network comes in.”

“The proposition is simple. We will provide our Approved Installer with commercial leads. We’ll do all the preparation work and organisation ourselves. My Business Development Managers will sort through tenders, contact the developer, work out all the specifications, draw up a quote and provide our ACIN with the supply element of the project – and all you have to do as an Approved Installer is complete the tender with your installation costs, submit it to the client, and my team will help close the sale with you. One thing we want to make clear is that at no stage will we ask ACIN members to switch to us as their suppliers for their day to day work.”

The ACIN has been designed to deliver five key benefits, as Zac explains. “Firstly, our approved installers will get access to commercial discount rates on all products supplied through the network. Second, they’ll get access to commercial discounts through all products purchased through Eurocell branches nationwide. Third, they’ll get paid for skip facilities available for each project. Fourth, they’ll get access to Astraseal’s industry-renowned technical expertise, including support from surveyors, installation managers, and obviously the backing of the BDM team to help win the business. And finally, and perhaps most valuably of all – projects and orders delivered to you with much of the hard work already processed.”

Joining the network is simple. Interested installers can register their interest at www.astraseal.co.uk or by calling 01933 227233 and asking for the commercial BDM team. “We’ll ask you a few quick questions and fill in a couple of forms, but then you’re in – and the tenders will soon start finding their way to you. We look forward to welcoming you into the network!”

Astraseal offer one of the most extensive service and product portfolios in the industry, including the full range of REHAU windows and doors, Synseal inline sliders and vertical sliders, and Global conservatory roofs, as well as Eurocell’s Modus and Skypod systems. On the aluminium front, the company provides windows, doors, curtain walling and shop fronts using the Smarts and Reynaers profile. All products are manufactured in the fabricator’s 110,000 square foot facility in Wellingborough.

For more information call Astraseal on 01933 227233 or visit www.astraseal.co.uk

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Supalite developed the Supalite Retailer Scheme in 2015 to support installers looking to move into the then very new field of solid roof installation. As the market has continued to develop and Supalite has risen to being a real marketing leading force, the scheme has gone from strength to strength. Like all installer support networks, the key aim of the Supalite Scheme is to help installers grow by providing them with bespoke marketing collateral, and of course consumer leads.

But installing solid roofs is such a complex field there is much more. Steve Hacking, Operations Director for Supalite Roofs takes up the story. “The Supalite Scheme is designed to help us engage with really professional installers, and for us to provide them with consumer marketing support to enable them to gain more market share; but installing solid roofs is a complex business – we believe that every roof needs building control approval and a major part of the offering of our scheme is us setting up an infrastructure to get this approval for our installers.

“We want to take the headaches away from them by having things in place which simply enables them to go out and sell without the worry of whether they can get approval.

“All of our systems are LABC and JHAi approved which means that our installer can confidently sell to their customers knowing that the roofs meet all of the necessary regulations; and that in turn makes the process of getting approval that much easier. It is a process that has to be gone through, but knowing that the roof complies with all legislation makes that process easier, and it was something we decided to do right from the outset. All our roofs can be supplied with JHAI Building Regulation Certification – it gives installers really meaningful support.

“The Supalite Scheme has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years, and as we have developed it further, our market share has continued to grow. We very much see ourselves as being among the market leaders in this field now, both by volume and by the way we support so many professional installers to get the product to market.

“There is always room for more installers to join the scheme, and we welcome them with open arms to our meetings throughout the year. We are keen for our members to meet and share best practice, amongst themselves and with us so that together we can make Supalite Roofs the roof of choice for consumers wanting a solid roof to upgrade their existing conservatory or other rooms in the house.

Steve Hacking is Operations Director for Supalite Roofs

www.supaliteroof.co.uk

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Hardware specialist, Winkhaus, will be showcasing its range of innovative locking systems for all types of door materials in Hall 7 stand L40 at the FIT Show in May.

Visitors will be able to see the latest innovations to the autoLock AV3 range on the new enlarged Winkhaus stand. These include the electronic version, AV3-E with the FAB slave door lock function in a timber door; the AV3 Heritage in a composite door and the AV3 Entryguard in an aluminium door.

Winkhaus will also be presenting aluPilot, the new fitting system for aluminium windows that saves time and money. This efficient system reduces the time needed to produce a standard window by up to 10 minutes, thereby lowering the production costs of the entire window.

The AV3 multipoint autoLock features a ‘daytime latch’ function that delivers added practicality for the end-user by allowing the door to be opened from the outside without a key when activated. This facility is useful when instant access is needed over a short period of time, for example when carrying in shopping bags.

“The addition of the AV3 to our already comprehensive range of locking solutions is proving a hit with our clients who can benefit from differentiating their businesses in a competitive marketplace by offering even greater choice to their customers,” comments Justin Harris, Winkhaus UK Managing Director. “The product’s high security, ease of use and sheer convenience has great appeal to homeowners, in turn opening up fresh selling opportunities for installers.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in the UK this year, Winkhaus will be inviting visitors to join them at their “coffee bar” on their spacious 80 square metre stand where Barista services will be offering a range of signature blend coffees and speciality teas.

In addition to the product innovations and the legendary Winkhaus hospitality, an added attraction will be the chance to win one of three Apple Watches with one lucky winner announced each day.

“Our much larger stand at the NEC offers visitors even greater opportunities to view our latest product innovations alongside new presentations and animations demonstrating our modern locking systems in action – all in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

“With a broad range of modern locking systems providing high-security solutions across different door materials and markets, there’s plenty to interest fabricators and installers on our stand. We look forward to welcoming you in May!” adds Justin.

For more information, visit www.winkhaus.co.uk, contact Winkhaus on 01536 316091 or email marketing@winkhaus.co.uk.

Press Glass SA announces that its subsidiary Glass Systems Group has acquired in the United Kingdom two Pilkington group factories and their order book. Those factories have been producing insulating glass units for the residential market. The acquisition was formally proceeded by Glass Systems North, a company intentionally created for this purpose and directly dependent on Press Glass UK.

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 also acquired CervoglassTM offering conservatory glass.

This acquisition increased to 20% (rough estimate) the share of the Glass Systems Group companies in the residential market in the United Kingdom.  Thereby the Glass Systems Group strengthened its position of the largest insulating glass units manufacturer in the United Kingdom, making it possible to supply a full spectrum of sealed units nationwide.

All companies and factories of the Glass Systems Group are part of  Press Glass SA when acquired in September 2015 by its sister company Press Glass UK.

Nowadays, 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 company also offers in the United Kingdom wide portfolio of products for the commercial market under its original brand Press Glass.

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Smartglass says its Dynamic sales kits are in demand

Just a few weeks after launch, requests for the new Smartglass Dynamic sample kits have reportedly exceeded 200, with companies and individuals keen to try out the ‘revolutionary’, self-tinting, glass technology for conservatories, orangeries and other glazing elements.

The handy-sized sample kits encourage users to place a sample piece of Smartglass Dynamic in any hot liquid for 30 seconds. After this time, the glass transforms from clear to a darkened state, reflective of the process that occurs when the glass is exposed to direct sunlight in various window, door and glazed roof applications.

Depending upon the surface temperature of Smartglass Dynamic, it ranges from a clear state ‘close to that of standard glass’, to a darkened state with a G-value of 10%. According to Smartglass, this performance measurement is ‘better than any other conservatory roof glass in the UK’, including the S Smartglass Ultra 86. For ‘everything else in between’, the glass unit will offer various states of semi-tinted appearance and active solar control, 365 days a year.

Jason McCabe, commercial and site director of Clayton Glass, commented: “The number of requests for the glass has exceeded expectations by some way in just a matter of weeks. We believe this technology has considerable scope for the conservatory sector in particular, given the fact we can make units in any shape and delivered nationwide within 10-14 days from point of order.

“Sales savvy companies will look to promote this technology to early adopting consumers eager for an adaptive and dynamic living environment.”

For a free Smartglass Dynamic sample kit and a 2017 product guide, e-mail enquiries@smart-glass.co.uk or call the sales office on 01207 288200.

www.smart-glass.co.uk

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In business for over 45 years, Suffolk-based SEH BAC knows the importance of a continually evolving product range – and now the South-East firm has bolstered its product line by switching its aluminium offering to Origin.

“We have established a strong reputation with homeowners across the South-East and East Anglia for our outstanding windows, doors and conservatories,” comments SEH BAC Managing Director, John Savage. “Our entire range is constantly under review to ensure we always offer our customers the absolute best products. Switching to Origin allows us to strengthen our aluminium offering, by using one of the leading manufacturers of bespoke aluminium products.”

Part of One Group Construction, SEH BAC supplies both double and triple glazed windows in a wide range of styles including casement, tilt and turn and bay windows. They also offer residential aluminium doors as well as French doors and luxury bifolding doors.

“Of course, it can be a challenge switching suppliers, especially when it is for one of our fastest-growing product areas,” adds John. “However, it is already proving to be a beneficial process, allowing us to draw on Origin’s wealth of experience in aluminium to expand our own range, and capitalise on consumer demand for contemporary aluminium products. We are looking forward to launching some new additions to our offering in the near future.”

With a turnover of £30m, SEH BAC boasts one of the largest product ranges in the glazing industry, offering an extensive selection of uPVC, aluminium, timber and timber alternative products. Respected throughout the window industry, the firm has 17 show-centres across East Anglia, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Kent, with more planned in the future.

For more information, call 0808 159 6310 or visit www.sehbac.com

For anyone who missed ‘Shoe Gate’ on social media in the last few weeks, the recent news from RegaLead is that after almost two decades with the company, Ian Duckworth is sadly leaving to relocate abroad. Stepping into his (admittedly less flamboyant) shoes is ‘seasoned industry glass man’ Roland Sarin, who has joined the company as market manager insulated glass.

Roland commented: “I first joined the industry back in 1995 and have been lucky enough to work with some leading brands over the years like Pilkington and Edgetech. I love our sector because of the huge diversity of individuals and products which keeps it challenging and interesting. RegaLead is a brand that I’ve kept an eye on over the years and have always respected their tangible innovation, teamwork and inclusivity. Visiting their stands at many trade exhibitions, I’ve been impressed by a sense of professionalism but what that’s always mixed with enjoyment, respect and fun. I’ll be working with Ian for the next couple of months before he leaves and look forward to meeting customers between now and The FIT show.”

Guy Hubble, Joint MD, commented: “We’re obviously sad that Ian, or Ducky as he’s affectionately known to the team, is leaving and we wish him all the best for his new life. He has been a fantastic asset to the business and without him, RegaLead would not be the clear market leader it is today. He has consistently shown talent and dedication in both his dealing with customers, but also in terms of product development. I’d like to say a fantastic thank-you. And it’s not entirely a ‘good bye’ as Ian will continue to support us in our export markets when he emigrates.

“Insulated glass remains a core part of the RegaLead business and we service an extensive customer base of IGU manufacturers and distributors to trade. With his heritage and experience in glass and glass processing, Roland is the ideal person to build on this important part of our business and continue the relationships and product solutions Ian has made over the years.”

www.regalead.co.uk

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As part of the branding strategy of the recently formed Helix Group, the organisation has re-branded GGF Training to Helix Training (www.trainwithhelix.co.uk).

The newly named company says it will deliver ‘the same level of excellent service as before’, aiming to ‘add more benefits and exciting new features for companies in the glass and glazing industry’.

The Helix Group was formed in 2016 by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) to ‘harness the resources and talents’ of all the GGF’s subsidiary companies. Along with FENSA, GGFi, Borough IT, RISA and BFRC – Helix Training will add to the collective services the Helix Group offers to the industry.

Jon Vanstone, Helix Group CEO, commented on the introduction of Helix Training: “We are incredibly proud of what GGF Training achieved since it was launched at the end of 2013. From the development of a successful MTC (Minimal Technical Competency) program to an ambitious and continually evolving syllabus of industry training, there is a lot of potential for future opportunity. We believe that with the support of Helix Group, Helix Training will be able to reach this potential, having a greater impact on the broader home improvement market.”

Helix Training will be based with the rest of Helix Group at the new GGF offices in Rushworth Street, London.

Rebecca Healy, development manager of Helix Training, said: “With the new company, the new brand name and the new building it feels like the beginning of a new chapter in training for all connected to the group. Helix Training has a lot of plans for the continuation and refinement of what has gone before with GGF Training including Individual Compliance, previously known as MTC, and specialist industry training; as well as a new suite of courses designed to develop individuals and businesses to their highest potential.”

While there are changes happening within the group, Helix Training is still run by the same team behind GGF Training, which says it will ‘continue to deliver their services with the same passion, drive and level of excellence as before’.

Brian Baker, GGF chief executive (interim) commented: “We are delighted to see the formation of Helix Training. To ensure the training needs of GGF members are still served, the GGF has set up a training division within its technical department, headed up by Sarah Herbert who was part of the GGF Training team since its formation in 2013. Both the GGF training department and Helix Training will work together to deliver the best training courses for the GGF membership.”

www.trainwithhelix.co.uk

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