Immigration Bill Is Priority For Construction

The Government’s Immigration Bill must ensure that British business has access to sufficient levels of EU workers or major construction projects will grind to a halt, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has said in response to the Queen’s Speech.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “In terms of today’s Queen’s Speech and the focus of British business, all eyes are on the Immigration Bill. As suspected, we now know that the Bill will end the free movement of people but that begs the question: what will replace it? The Government has not set out what our post-Brexit immigration system will look like but it is crucial that key strategic industries, such as construction, are able to draw upon sufficient numbers of EU workers. EU tradespeople have come to play a crucial part in plugging the industry’s chronic skills shortages and if the ability to employ non-UK workers is curtailed, the Government’s housing and infrastructure plans will be no more than a pipe dream.”

Berry continued: “Already, we’re starting to see a dramatic drop off in immigration from the kinds of countries that have typically supplied the construction sector with skilled talent. Statistics released today by the Oxford University’s Migration Observatory show a 35% fall in the number of national insurance numbers being issued to nationals from the ‘EU8’ countries that joined the EU in 2003. A lack of certainty over what rights EU citizens will have in the country post-Brexit will undoubtedly be a factor behind this decline. Given the ongoing need to recruit from abroad, we need a clear message from the Government that non-UK skilled workers are welcome now, and will be welcome come what May.”

Berry concluded: “The sector stands ready to work with MPs to shape the Immigration Bill into something that serves the economy and provides vital human resource to British business. The construction industry is also ready to significantly upscale the training and recruitment of UK construction workers so we welcome the recommitment to a proper industrial strategy and high skilled learning. In the longer term, being able to train more of our own workforce is without question part of the solution to our enduring skills deficit. Nevertheless, the Government must be pragmatic and introduce an immigration flexible system that allows skilled EU nationals to work in the UK with relative ease.”

www.fmb.org.uk/about-the-fmb/newsroom/immigration-bill-is-priority-for-construction

Darlington based National Window Systems, part of the HWL Windows Group, has installed an Opus hybrid lantern roof, exclusively manufactured by Prefix Systems, on its newly extended conservatory village and renovated showroom.

Opus is described as a ‘new genre’ of hybrid glazing, combining the ‘proven performance and adaptability’ of aluminium with the ‘sheer richness and luxury’ of hardwood. The installation at National Window Systems forms part of a traditional brick orangery in a showroom environment that includes two other orangeries, a Prefix solid, insulated and tiled Warmroof and other ‘modern living environments’.

Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, this investment by National Window Systems in ‘premium, extended living space solutions’ is said to show a ‘shift in emphasis, from the basic cost effective conservatories, to the more premium environments that discerning consumers are now demanding’. The Opus lantern roof is described as a perfect example of this offering, with a PVC-U or aluminium exterior and the ‘trademark’ Opus timber internal finish, which is emphasised on the showsite orangery with an oak trim around the lantern opening.

John McComb, sales manager of National Window Systems, commented: “Opus is the epitome of premium glazing solutions and it’s generated considerable interest already, following our opening day event. There’s a new type of consumer emerging that seeks premium brands and products that provide luxury appeal, something our newly expanded showsite is perfectly designed to cater for.”

www.nationalwindowsystems.co.uk
www.prefixsystems.co.uk

The post National Window Systems reaches for the sky with Prefix’s Opus appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has held a celebration for its founder members at its new building in Southwark, London.

Approximately 40 guests made up of GGF members, senior managers and the trade media attended to see founder members receive a special presentation award from GGF president, Alan Burgess, of Masterframe Windows.

The event also allowed guests to view the new GGF building which includes a historic timeline, founder’s wall, president’s glass plaque and the GGF display cabinet which houses awards won by the federation and its members.

Alan Burgess covered the progress and growth made during the last 40 years and thanked all members for helping the GGF achieve so much for the industry since 1977.

Alan said: “I am pleased that so many companies who have been part of the GGF since its beginnings are still members today. It’s been a memorable event and my thanks to all the founder members who have helped make the GGF the industry’s leading trade body over the last 40 years.”

Phil Pluck, GGF chief executive, added: “Today has been the GGF’s way of saying a special thanks to our founder members who have remained in membership since the very start. They represent the best of their sectors and the industry overall. It has been a pleasure to have been part of such a unique event in this landmark year for the federation.”

After three successful anniversary events, the GGF’s 40 years celebrations will continue at GGF members’ day on 29th September in London, to which all GGF members are invited. More details of this even will be published later in June.

To find out more about the GGF’s history you can visit the digital historic timeline: www.ggf.org.uk/40-years-of-the-ggf

A full list of GGF’s founder members can be found here: www.ggf.org.uk/founder-members

The post GGF celebrates anniversary with founder members appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

The Queen’s Speech has set out a programme of reform for the next two years which is needed to prepare the UK to leave the European Union and shore up small business confidence. 

FSB’s latest Small Business Index shows a slide in small business confidence for the first time in the wake of the EU referendum. Small firms want to see measures which prove this Parliament backs them to drive growth and create jobs for the UK economy. 

Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said:

“We are pleased with the ambition to provide certainty for businesses as we head towards Brexit and the commitment to low taxation. This is vital for small firms who are facing both uncertainty and rising costs of doing business. A thriving small business community, helped to grow by a supportive government, will be crucial to a strong post-Brexit economy. But it is disappointing that this Queen’s Speech was light on other domestic measures for small business. The government must knuckle down to tackle issues such as reform of the Business Rates system and changes to Corporate Governance, to stop big companies badly treating their small business suppliers and contractors.”

On Brexit

“The raft of Brexit Bills announced today must prioritise free and easy trade, and ensure small firms can access the skills and labour they need after the UK leaves the EU. It’s good to see the commitment to special support to help British businesses export to new markets around the world, which we look forward to engaging with the government on. Small firms will be looking to the Immigration Bill to provide the UK with an immigration system that is responsive to the needs of employers, and there should be a transition period to any new system of at least three years after Brexit.

“The Bill to repeal the European Communities Act gives certainty to small businesses in the short-term that Brexit will not mean sudden big changes in regulation. On this, it is vital that there is no cliff-edge moment, even though in the long term Brexit provides an opportunity to simplify complicated Brussels processes to make rules much easier to comply with.”

On the Industrial Strategy

“The modern Industrial Strategy must deliver on major infrastructure projects, such as the second phase of HS2. This is important to the UK remaining competitive globally. Large-scale infrastructure projects must be matched with investment in local roads to boost UK connectivity and growth. We welcome the commitment to make good on radical reform to technical education and training to deliver the skills that small businesses need. 

Energy and Motor Insurance Bills

“We will be closely watching to see that legislation to reduce motor insurance premiums and energy prices also applies to microbusinesses, who struggle just as much as consumers with their bills.”

www.fsb.org.uk

Retail and trade counter businesses Homestyle, Micron Windows and Trade Supply Windows, have agreed a new supply deal with Emplas, as part of plans for continued growth. Operating throughout the Anglian region, the group set up by Graham Shemmings in 1999 operates across sites in Ipswich as Homestyle and Trade Supply Windows and in Newmarket, as Micron Windows. Signing a new supply agreement earlier in this year, Shemmings said that it had chosen Emplas as its supply partner going forward because it could support its own ambitions for long-term growth. He said: “We had a good supplier previously and a good relationship with that supplier but we have plans for growth going forward and we needed the right product offering and the flexibility to support that. The team at Emplas understand retail, how important continuing product development is to continuing growth and offered us a product range which delivers everything that we were looking for but underpinned it with an exceptional support offer.”

Emplas’ core offer is built around Profile 22’s Optima. With fully sculptured, chamfered and flush options available, the system has been developed to tap into increasingly discerning end user demand for enhanced aesthetics. A six chamber outer-frame and five chamber sash, mean the 70mm system achieves U-values as low as 0.8W/m²K and an A⁺⁺ WER. With 24-44mm beading. Improved sealing with a 10mm cover, a 35 per-cent increase in hardware retention through local thickening, plus a wider colour and foil offer, make it a highly competitive retail proposition.

Emplas has also recently its ex-stock colour range. It means that foiled Cream, Anthracite Grey, Anthracite Grey on White, Black Brown, and Black Brown on White are now available as ex-stock standard colours in lead times of 10 days or less. “Grey is incredibly popular – it seems to be almost all homeowners want”, continued Shemmings. “The flush casement from Emplas is going to have appeal with owners of period properties while Optima delivers some good sightlines all round. But for is it’s still very much about the long term. Trends come and go, it’s been about finding a supplier who is investing, who can offer us the right products now and into the future and Emplas is geared to do that.”  Ryan Johnson, Managing Director, Emplas said: “We’re delighted to be working with Graham and the wider team. They have interests in retail and trade and are looking to grow. They’re also very much looking to long-term growth. That’s where people now recognise that as a business we can add value. We have the product range but also offer sales and lead generation support to go with it and are committed to a genuinely partnership approach. Our customer’s growth is key to our own and we’re committed to working with them to maximise it.” 

The post HomeStyle, Micron Windows and Trade Supply sign with Emplas appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Guests at this year’s FIT Show Gala Dinner have reached into their pockets to raise a massive £15,233.57 following a heart-wrenching appeal for donations to Macmillan Nurses made during the event by Gary Morton, well known for his own charity work through GM Fundraising.

With a call for donations traditionally being made to raise funds for a cause close to the hearts of people connected with the window and door industry, this year Macmillan Nurses was chosen by Leon Day, former owner and managing director of Universal Arches, who sadly lost his partner Jo to cancer earlier this year.

Acknowledging the generosity of guests Leon said: “It’s difficult to put into words the magnitude of this incredible gesture and with other donations, we’re now over £19,000 raised for Macmillan who did so much to help Jo, particularly in the latter days. On behalf of Jo’s family and myself, I’d like to thank everyone, yet again this industry has shown how generous it can be.”

The JustGiving page (www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leon-day1) for Jo will remain open for a while yet should anyone else like to contribute to this emotive cause.

The post Generosity of Gala Dinner guests raise more than £15K for Macmillan appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Newly acquired Hertfordshire fabricator, Welglaze, has reportedly gained a major boost from a 95% score from CMS auditors that puts it in the top 20% of all companies of its kind.

The accreditation is just the latest step in the development of Welglaze since it became part of Audasi Holdings, owner of Quickslide, and set about adopting the same standards and values as its new sister company, as the Group’s chairman, Adrian Barraclough, explained: “Welglaze already has a loyal customer base and a great reputation as a Deceuninck fabricator. We have worked hard since the acquisition to build on those strong roots so it is very rewarding to hear such praise from such a respected independent source.

“As well as our 95% score, the auditor concluded that Welglaze produces some of the best examples of Deceuninck products he had ever seen, and that is something we are very proud of.”

He added that, while the transformation began with a move to a completely new factory and significant investment in new production equipment the much bigger step was to bring the Quickslide culture of product quality and customer service and integrate that into everything Welglaze does.

That new culture has been widely applauded by customers such as Dorking Windows. A spokesperson for the company said: “I’ve been using Quickslide for about 10 years and was always very happy with the products, turnaround time and customer service, and now the same goes for Welglaze. It’s pretty much ‘as you were’ as far as we are concerned.”

The Deceuninck products have taken another big step forward, even since the audit, with the introduction of a fully mechanically jointed flush sash.

Adrian Barraclough concluded: “The new flush sash is a great window but Quickslide has been built on a philosophy of continuous improvement so customers can be assured that it is only the first of many new developments that our installer partners can expect from both companies.”

www.welglaze.co.uk

The post ‘Well done, Welglaze’ appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

New factory, new production lines – plus a whole new way of thinking – and now, newly-acquired Hertfordshire fabricator Welglaze has gained a major boost from a 95% score from CMS auditors that puts it in the top 20% of all companies of its kind.

The accreditation is just the latest step in the development of Welglaze since it became part of Audasi Holdings, owner of Quickslide, and set about adopting the same standards and values as its new sister company, as the Group’s Chairman Adrian Barraclough explained:

“Welglaze already has a loyal customer base and a great reputation as a Deceuninck fabricator. We have worked hard since the acquisition to build on those strong roots so it is very rewarding to hear such praise from such a respected independent source.

“As well as our 95% score, the auditor concluded that Welglaze produces some of the best examples of Deceuninck products he had ever seen, and that is something we are very proud of.”

He added that, while the transformation began with a move to a completely new factory and significant investment in new production equipment the much bigger step was to bring the Quickslide culture of product quality and customer service and integrate that into everything Welglaze does.

That new culture has been widely applauded by customers such as Dorking Windows. A spokesperson for the company said: “I’ve been using Quickslide for about ten years and was always very happy with the products, turnaround time and customer service, and now the same goes for Welglaze. It’s pretty much ‘as you were’ as far as we are concerned.”

The Deceuninck products have taken another big step forward, even since the audit, with the introduction of a fully mechanically jointed flush sash.

Adrian Barraclough concluded: “The new flush sash is a great window but Quickslide has been built on a philosophy of continuous improvement so customers can be assured that it is only the first of many new developments that our installer partners can expect from both companies.”

http://www.welglaze.co.uk