Huttig Appoints West Region VP

Prefix Systems have formally launched their WARMroof Hybrid solid roof solution, which was on their stand at this year’s FIT Show and received generous acclaim, as a new product to provide consumers with an exciting, high performance glazed option.

WARMroof Hybrid introduces a 44mm triple glazed panel, which is integrated seamlessly into the roof, offering an impressive U-value of just 0.6 W/(m²K). But beyond the performance characteristics, the design of the hybrid option brings in OPUS hardwood cladding to the internal frame and slimline ridge section, for a aesthetically pleasing finish.

Bar centres are 750mm as standard offering 700mm of vision, with glass from eaves to slimline ridge for maximum light transmission, while the option of an internal pelmet offers an additional lighting option. The sizeable glass units bring considerably more light as an alternative to even the largest roof light, which are otherwise specified by other WARMroof designs.

Chris Baron, co-director of Prefix Systems commented: ‘The launch of WARMroof Hybrid has been eagerly anticipated by our customers, who have been involved in its development. Full length glazing from eaves to ridge, triple glazing and the adoption of Opus hardwood makes this an unrivalled option in the solid roof sector.

He continues: ‘Our thirst for product development continues as we look to further develop our WARMroof platform, which is the most configurable roof of its type in the sector. It’s also backed up through our four sites for sales, service and support.’

The new Hybrid variant is also included in the latest 2017, 20-page WARMroof Collection brochure. To request a brochure email marketing@prefixsystems.co.uk or visit their website at www.prefixsystems.co.uk for more information.

Plentific.com, has revealed that a quarter of homeowners (24%) say Brexit and the recent general election have affected their decision to sell their property in the next 12 months. The percentage of London homeowners who say they are now more likely to sell their home within the next three years has risen from 26% last year (2016), to 34% this year.

When it comes to home improvements, the statistics show that there has been an increase in demand as a result of recent political events. 39% of homeowners in London say they are now more likely to spend money renovating their current property as a result. This is an increase from last year, when just 22% of homeowners said that their decision would be affected by Brexit.

The statistics show that out of the 24% of homeowners whose decision has been affected by Brexit and the recent general election, 8% are more likely to move within the next year, while 16% are less likely. Focussing on homeowners by location, Londoners topped the table, with 32% saying they are more likely to sell their property in the next year, and 23% saying the opposite.

20% of homeowners in Birmingham said they are less likely to sell up, compared to 6% who are now more likely to sell. 25% of homeowners in Cardiff and 23% in Glasgow would also be less likely to sell within the year.

Based on age, young homeowners seemed split in their opinions, with 25% saying they’re more likely to move in the next 12 months, and 19% more likely to stay put. These figures were the highest based on age, which could suggest that young people take into account the effect of current events and the impact they have on housing very seriously.

Looking at the data for home improvements, 13% of homeowners say they are more likely to carry out renovation projects on their current property due to Brexit and the recent election, up from 10% in 2016. This highlights the increasing demand for home improvement and renovation projects, as well as the confidence homeowners are experiencing when it comes to investing in their property.

When it comes to age groups, 18 to 34-year-olds top the table for homeowners who are more likely to make improvements to their current property in the wake of recent political events at 33%, up from last years’ figure of just 22%.

Locations around the UK who say they are more likely to make home improvements due to the recent election and on-going Brexit negotiations are London (39%), Cardiff (20%), Edinburgh (17%) and Newcastle (16%).

The statistics show London homeowners have be most affected by recent political change. 39% of homeowners in the capital say they are more likely to carry out renovation work in their current property in the next 12 months, while 16% said they are now less likely.

With property prices in London showing signs of decreasing in recent months according to Plentific, it’s no surprise that homeowners are considering selling up. 32% are also more likely to sell their property within the next 12 months.. When looking at owners selling up in the next three years, 34% are now more likely to move home, an increase from 26% in 2016.

Stephen Jury, spokesperson for Plentific commented: “Last year, the Brexit vote sent shockwaves across the nation. One year on, the recent general election and the resulting hung parliament, as well as ongoing Brexit negotiations, have had a similar effect. These political events have all had a huge impact on homeowners looking to either sell or renovate their property.

“There have been some interesting changes in demand over the last year, which indicate that the current state of the housing market has made homeowners more wary, especially the younger generation.”

The post Quarter of UK homeowner’s likelihood to sell in the next 12 months affected by Brexit and hung Parliament appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Image Above: Winning Team – Dekko

GM Fundraising’s annual Golf Day took place on 22^nd June in a new venue – Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort in Lincolnshire. Not only was an enjoyable day had by the industry’s golfers, but it was also the most successful yet in terms of charitable contributions, raising an astounding £14,899.60 for Hope House Children’s Hospices.

“This is the 15^th GM Fundraising Golf Day and in terms of funds raised, the most successful yet,” comments Gary Morton. “The Forest Pines resort offered a tough, tight challenge for the teams that entered the competition. The 27-hole/10,000-yard championship golf course is nestled in 190 acres of very tall Pine woodland, consisting of tree lined fairways and water hazards. Dekko Window Systems came away with the winning team prize this year, while Tim Tilley, long-term GM Fundraising supporter and member of the Border2Border team, won the individual prize with 33 points.

Individual winner – Tim Tilley

“The golf competition was followed by a great evening in the hotel, with a wonderful barbeque style dinner, high quality raffle and very lively auction. Thank you to those that made donations to the raffle and bought on the night, including an Anthony Joshua (World Heavyweight Champion) framed and signed boxing glove, which went for £2,000.

“As with previous years, the event was sold out before it was launched. Our Golf day is always one of the most popular events on our calendar and our loyal supporters usually sign up for next year on the day. This year we had more enquiries than ever for companies wanting to enter two teams and new supporters wanting to join – I hate turning people away so we’re now exploring running next year’s event over two days, returning to either Mottram Hall or Telford in June.

“Sincere thanks to everyone that continues to support GM Fundraising with its efforts to raise much needed funds for the children affected by life-limiting illnesses and their families that are cared for by Hope House Children’s Hospices.”

If you are interested in taking part in next year’s event, please contact Gary Morton on gary@gmfundraising.co.uk.

As a specialist in IGUs and conservatory roofs, Double R Glass & Roofing Systems constantly updates it offering to ensure customers stay ahead of the competition – often beating competitors to market with new products and going the extra mile to help customers make the most of current market opportunities. The most recent example of this is the investment in TruShield^®, the glass protection system from Edgetech UK, which will soon factor in 85% of the company’s roof glass.

Ian Sims, Managing Director of Double R explains: “We’re always keen to bring new products to market before anyone else to give our customers a head start. That is why we were the first company to offer TruShield and we are the only UK manufacturer to have invested in the full manufacturing system that allows us to manage the entire process in-house. The line incorporates a spray booth, oven and easels to make application of TruShield to IGUs quick, easy and cost effective.

“The coating adds a chemically bonded layer to the glass, protecting it from the elements and chemical erosion. As soon as we knew that TruShield had been scrutinised under long term tests and came out on top, we added it to our portfolio. We’ve seen such success with it that it will soon be applied to 85% of our roof glass, but the product can be applied to any glass, making it more desirable for our customers. We are also able to price it competitively so our customers can make savings compared to other similar coatings.

“We were the first manufacturer to offer both Wendland and Ultraframe conservatory roof kits, the first to bring the Guardian Warm Roof solid roof system to market and most recently the first to invest in the world’s fastest For.El vertical IGU line. We only pioneer products when they’re from suppliers that we know we can trust. We have a long standing, excellent relationship with Edgetech, so we knew TruShield would be a successful addition to our product offering and it has proved to be exactly that.”

For more information visit www.glassandroofs.com or call 01933 443658

Bohle has announced the launch of its new EasyMount Vario balustrade system, which has been engineered to be suitable for use across domestic and commercial applications.

The highly flexible top mount system, represents the evolution of Bohle’s proven and established EasyMount Vario range.

Accommodating glass thicknesses of 12 to 21.52mm and suitable for interior or exterior use, it offers two linear load options in a single system defined by the distance between mounting points.

This includes a standard residential application of 0.74kN, when fixed every 20cm or a 1.5kN load with fixings at 10cm centres, making the EasyMount Vario suitable for a wide range of commercial applications.

“The latest Easymount Vario balustrade channel offers both strength and flexibility, with two linear load options”, said Dave Broxton, Managing Director, Bohle.

He continued: “With larger drilling distances in residential applications, it also reduces costs, while suitable for domestic and commercial applications, minimizes stock holding.

“Offering full adjustment from the balcony side of up to 34mm to the perpendicular, the EasyMount Vario also eliminates the requirement for and cost of, scaffolding, making working at height safer, while easily accommodating imperfections in base materials to guarantee a perfect install.”

The EasyMount Vario is also available as a side mounted system for use in private residential applications only, achieving a 0.74kN loading with a mounting distance at intervals of just 40cm.

Side mounted and top mounted systems both utilize connecting pins to simplify alignment and support a high precision fit.

“What we’re now seeing is a far wider application and appeal of balustrading, particularly in private residential markets. This represents a significant opportunity for glass processors, including in the pull-through of core product that it delivers”, said Broxton.

He concluded: “There are also sizeable opportunities for home improvement companies and installers. Adding balustrading to their offer is the logical next step when it can be accessed using an existing skills-set and delivers some exceptionally high margin opportunities.”

For more visit the Bohle website www.bohle-group.com/en-gb email info@bohle.ltd.uk or call the customer services team free on 0800 616151.

Image Above: Winning Team – Dekko

GM Fundraising’s annual Golf Day took place on 22^nd June in a new venue – Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort in Lincolnshire. Not only was an enjoyable day had by the industry’s golfers, but it was also the most successful yet in terms of charitable contributions, raising an astounding £14,899.60 for Hope House Children’s Hospices.

“This is the 15^th GM Fundraising Golf Day and in terms of funds raised, the most successful yet,” comments Gary Morton. “The Forest Pines resort offered a tough, tight challenge for the teams that entered the competition. The 27-hole/10,000-yard championship golf course is nestled in 190 acres of very tall Pine woodland, consisting of tree lined fairways and water hazards. Dekko Window Systems came away with the winning team prize this year, while Tim Tilley, long-term GM Fundraising supporter and member of the Border2Border team, won the individual prize with 33 points.

Individual winner – Tim Tilley

“The golf competition was followed by a great evening in the hotel, with a wonderful barbeque style dinner, high quality raffle and very lively auction. Thank you to those that made donations to the raffle and bought on the night, including an Anthony Joshua (World Heavyweight Champion) framed and signed boxing glove, which went for £2,000.

“As with previous years, the event was sold out before it was launched. Our Golf day is always one of the most popular events on our calendar and our loyal supporters usually sign up for next year on the day. This year we had more enquiries than ever for companies wanting to enter two teams and new supporters wanting to join – I hate turning people away so we’re now exploring running next year’s event over two days, returning to either Mottram Hall or Telford in June.

“Sincere thanks to everyone that continues to support GM Fundraising with its efforts to raise much needed funds for the children affected by life-limiting illnesses and their families that are cared for by Hope House Children’s Hospices.”

If you are interested in taking part in next year’s event, please contact Gary Morton on gary@gmfundraising.co.uk.

Image Above: VEKA Group’s Amy Grundy presents Charlie Berry of Andrew Wright Windows with a gift to celebrate 80 years of trading.

Ayrshire glazing company and Independent Network member Andrew Wright Windows has put 18 fabricators through their Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), in a year that also sees the company celebrate 80 years of trading.

The family-run company is already one of the most prominent employers in Irvine and the surrounding areas, with almost 100 employees across its head office, showroom and manufacturing plants. Each year Andrew Wright supports a growing number of modern apprentices through levels two and three SVQ coursework and exams, where budding window and door fabricators can learn the trade ‘on the job’ alongside their official college assessments. The 18 pupils that were chosen to take part in the scheme this year receive their results in August before deciding how to use their new qualifications in the fenestration industry.

Last year two apprentices, Jamie Mullen and William Malcolmson, gained Levels 2 and 3 SVQ qualifications – in Fabrication of Glass and Supporting Systems respectively – and have since put their diplomas to good use as they both now hold permanent positions at Andrew Wright within the production and quality departments.

In a double celebration, the company also marks its 80^th birthday this year. Established in 1937, Andrew Wright Windows has developed from a modest, family-run company into a well-known and respected business in the area. Its two manufacturing plants and fleet of 20 company vehicles fabricate and deliver PVC-U windows, doors, conservatories and roofline for domestic and commercial customers across West Scotland, including Local Authorities contracts.

Karen Lund, Head of Partner Programmes for VEKA Group said: “What an exciting year for Andrew Wright Windows. For any company to celebrate 80 years in business is a fantastic achievement in itself, but to still have that commitment to the next generation of fabricators really shows other businesses in the industry how it should be done.  The 18 students that have been selected to take part in this year’s SVQ schedule also have the benefit of working with a long-established local firm, which is almost a money-can’t-buy experience. I wish them all the best for results day.

“As Independent Network has also been officially launched this year – continuing the ethos of its predecessor Network VEKA – we also know the importance of progression in business and never resting on our laurels. So with a long-standing and valued member company such as Andrew Wright celebrating its 80^th anniversary in the same year as putting 18 new fabricators through their SVQs, I can’t think of a better example of the past, present and future of fenestration in action.”

Charlie Berry, Managing Director of Andrew Wright Windows added: “We too often hear of young people struggling to find jobs after graduation or lacking a career focus, so a modern apprenticeship scheme seems to be the perfect solution. SVQs in the workplace mean apprentices learn both the theory and the practical side of fenestration at the same time. Whilst there is no substitute for the ‘factory floor’ when it comes to this type of work, getting the official qualification associated with it indicates that you have a tangible qualification along with the necessary hands-on experience.

“I’m incredibly pleased with the 18 students that have taken part this year and can’t wait to find out their results in August. Andrew Wright has always been fully committed to supporting new people coming up through the ranks. They are the future of our company after all, and we aim to make sure it remains in safe hands for the next 80 years!”