BWF’s “Unwavering Mission” On Behalf Of The Joinery Industry Hailed At Members’ Day 2017

Industry specialists and an array of guest speakers gave the joinery industry the raw materials for success at the UK’s biggest conference for joinery manufacturers.

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Members’ Day on June 15th saw joinery manufacturers from all over the UK descend on Hellidon Lakes Golf & Spa Hotel for a series of expert workshops, networking opportunities and frank discussions about the threats and opportunities that the sector is facing.

The day began with BWF President and Managing Director of West Port Timber Windows & Doors Sean Parnaby hailing the federation’s “unwavering mission” on behalf of its members before introducing Prof Tom Woolley as the keynote speaker. As an architect, author and expert on materials health and sustainability, Mr Woolley noted the opportunities for timber products in construction in an age when, “modern buildings are increasingly made of synthetic hazardous materials”.

Boosting industry knowledge has always been a huge part of BWF Members’ Day and this year there was something for every size of joinery business. Expert workshops covered topics which ranged from optimising the design of stairs and windows, certifying fire doors, and changes in the house building market, to heritage & conservation joinery, product liability, and how to keep the joinery workshop safe.

Later in the day, leading housing economist Alastair Stewart offered an outlook for construction in a post-Brexit Britain. With the tragic news from Grenfell Tower sending a sobering reminder of what happens when specifiers and the RM & I supply chain get it seriously wrong, Mr Stewart touched on the tragic events of 14th June, reflecting that, “Yesterday was housing’s 9/11″, and that there would be long term impacts, just like the Ronan Point collapse in 1968.

Other speakers on the day included Peter Caplehorn from the Construction Products Association, who explained why “BIM will wash over the entire industry in time”, and Carl Rhymer who discussed what CITB was doing to entice the next generation into construction through initiatives such as GoConstruct and SkillBuild.

The event was fully booked, with the breaks between workshops giving 160 attendees an opportunity to network and view the latest innovations and technologies from exhibitors including Headline Sponsors Joinerysoft, Gold Sponsors Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, Silver Sponsors Qwood and Bronze Sponsors the W18 Exhibition.

The day was commended as a great success by those present, with 100% of feedback from attendees rating the event as good or excellent and comments including:

“Interesting and informative. At times very thought provoking.”

“Well organised and informative.”

“Always an excellent use of time.”

Members’ Day 2017 was preceded by the BWF’s Annual General Meeting on June 14th at the same venue. The AGM saw the launch of the latest BWF Action Plan and was followed by a drinks reception and informal networking dinner, providing a very popular social opportunity for members to discuss the latest industry issues.

www.bwf.org.uk

VEKA Group was thrilled to bring home the ‘Employer of the Year’ trophy from this year’s Burnley Business Awards. The Farrington Road company also gained a further three nominations making it one of its best years yet.

David Jones, Managing Director of VEKA Group, who collected the award said: “Having been awarded ‘Business of the Year’ twice in the past, this year we were absolutely thrilled to have been named ‘Employer of the Year’. As one of Burnley’s biggest employers, we have around 400 people from the local area working across all our varied departments and we are very proud of the benefits we offer.

“The evening was already one of great celebration for the team as we were nominated in a number of categories, including 2017′s ‘Business of the Year’, ‘John Kennedy Apprenticeship’ and ‘Manufacturing Excellence’. In many ways, it went hand-in-hand that we should be tipped for both ‘Employer of the Year’ and the ‘John Kennedy Apprenticeship’, as VEKA Group is well known for its commitment to staff training, satisfaction and career progression.”

The Burnley Business Awards takes place once every two years, which means competition is always hotly contested with entrants drawn from all industries across Burnley and the surrounding areas. This year, the ceremony was held in the stunning surroundings of Towneley Hall and, as a prominent event in the region’s calendar, was well-attended by local businesspeople.

‘Employer of the Year’ was sponsored by fellow Burnley business Ideal Recruit. Branch Manager Gina Deehan – who personally judged the category and selected VEKA Group as the winner – based her decision on how well the company engaged with is staff and used that feedback directly in the company’s development.

“I was really impressed with the way VEKA Group communicates with its staff,” Gina commented. “They are invited to complete employee engagement surveys; the results of which are put back into the progression and profitability of the business as a whole.

“During the judging process, there was no doubt in my mind that VEKA Group considers its staff to be its most important asset and the positive attitude it demonstrates towards the employees at every level is commendable.”

Gabriela Hammond, VEKA Group’s Head of Human Resources added: “Everyone is delighted to receive this award. Without its employees, VEKA Group wouldn’t be the successful company it is today and so to be recognised in the local community for all we do for our people is a great reward for us all.”

www.vekauk.com

Leon Friend has been appointed managing director of the UK arm of Eduard Hueck GmbH & Co. KG.

In a new role at the company, Leon will focus on business expansion and the launch of new products to the UK market – as part of a wider initiative to establish a senior team to drive growth over the coming months.

He has been working in the industry since the early 2000s and has been employed at Hueck UK for more than six years, where he joined as business development manager before rising through the ranks to become a director.

Leon commented: “Hueck is a true innovator in aluminium systems and this is underpinned by a dedication to quality and exceeding customer expectations. Our aim is to identify new opportunities and to bring products to the UK that will not only satisfy these market conditions but meet future requirements for buildings.

“It’s an exciting time to step into the role; we have recently launched several new products to market that are game changer for the industry and we are on track for another record year.”

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SolarFrame, based in Rotherham, is one of the first fabricators to take advantage of Mila’s new initiative to create a library of test data for customers who want to be able to meet the demands of Approved Document Q in the new build market.

Mila has invested in an ongoing programme to carry out the PAS24 security testing required for ADQ on windows and doors in a range of different profile systems and with a number of different hardware combinations. This growing bank of test data is now available to be cascaded down to Mila customers like SolarFrame, giving them a simple and cost effective route to ADQ compliance.

As a Eurocell fabricator, SolarFrame is using the data generated from Mila’s successful tests on Eurocell’s LogiK profiles with hardware from Mila’s ProSecure and ProLinea ranges. As long as SolarFrame’s windows and doors match one of the specifications tested by Mila, then it can be assured that its products will fully comply.

This is a huge advantage for a company like SolarFrame which is supplying into the new build market directly and to trade customers who are working on new build projects.

It is the latest example of the long term partnership between Mila and SolarFrame which has existed since the fabricator was founded by Managing Director Steve Taylor in 2009.

Steve says he chose Mila at the outset as SolarFrame’s hardware supplier because of its proven reputation for quality, and the integrity and commitment of the team led by Richard Gyde. Eight years on, Mila continues to supply all of SolarFrame’s hardware requirements.

Steve Taylor says: “I know there are probably suppliers out there who are marginally cheaper than Mila, but for us, quality, reliability and customer service matter more than a few pence on a window handle.

“We know that Mila’s product quality is always guaranteed and that they will never let us down on supply or deliveries – our line OTIF for example, is currently 99.1%. We are a regional fabricator serving the needs of customers within a 25-30 mile radius of Rotherham. With this sort of business model, it is reputation which matters, whether that is in the retail sector where we do around 25% of our business, or in the trade sector which accounts for the rest. We simply can’t afford for our reputation to be tarnished in any way, so we always choose suppliers like Mila who we know we can rely on all the time.”

Mila’s relationship with SolarFrame goes back to Richard Gyde and Steve Taylor’s shared background in the industry, but it is now very much a team effort with Mila’s Area Sales Manager Steve Bettley, Key Account Manager Julie Holmes, and Technical Manager Strafford Cooke all playing their part in supporting the fabricator.

As well as the ADQ testing initiative, this includes introducing new products, advising on hardware do’s and don’ts and investing time learning about SolarFrame’s ongoing plans so that the products supplied keep pace with their objectives.

Richard Gyde added: “SolarFrame buys virtually 100% of its hardware from Mila, but we are never complacent about our relationship with them. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and add value to their business and our investment in PAS24 testing for ADQ is just the latest example of that.”

Further details are at: www.mila.co.uk and www.solarframe.co.uk

Image Above:  The RegaLead team got funky on Big Tuesday……

Renowned for offering value added solutions to the glass and door industries, RegaLead was back at FIT with a host of new products and services, delivered via its three specialist divisions: Coatings, Door Products and Glass. Reflecting changing home improvement trends, the company used FIT to launch several innovations in this sector focusing on colour, aluminium doors and the continued expansion of its composite door offering.

Joint MD Guy Hubble comments: “2017 was undoubtedly the best FIT show yet for RegaLead and I’d say, for the industry as a whole. The words ‘reminiscent of Glassex in its heyday’ came up a lot, but I’d disagree. I think it terms of commercial benefit for RegaLead and for visitors to our stand, FIT 2017 outperformed. The quality and quantity of enquiries and sales we generated, reflected the dynamic nature of our industry and its desire for new home improvement products.

“RegaLead’s new URBAN aluminium entrance door system impressed visitors who want to fabricate their own aluminium doors in-house, without paying through the nose for full doorsets or enduring long lead times on European infill panels. We signed up several URBAN launch partners during the show. We enjoyed huge interest in our coatings solutions, comprising both conventional solvented systems and new for FIT 2017, our Aqua water-based system. We were also delighted that Mark Schubert from Schubert Technical Services Ltd joined us on the stand and has generated huge interest in the Schubox^® IR Catalytic drying system.

‘When we decided to launch these new products, we knew the demand was there but if anything, the exhibition has proved to us that these markets are even bigger than we anticipated. In summary, FIT 2017 proved itself to be a show relevant for its time and absolutely the right place to see new products and services that will support our industry’s sales and growth over coming months. RegaLead was proud to be part of this.”

If you missed RegaLead at FIT, please visit www.regalead.co.uk or call 0161 946 1164.

Emplas says it has ‘restructured’ its senior management team as part of three-year ‘strategic growth plan’ through to 2020.

With significant and continuing growth in Q1 and Q2 this year and following on from increased sales last year, the organisational review sees Emplas bring new and experienced personnel, to its senior leadership team.

This sees Ryan Johnson, continue to head the business as managing director. Kush Patel, formerly Emplas’ operations director, steps up to a new position as deputy managing director, while Philip Brown continues in his tenure as financial director.

Ray Sinclair assumes a new role of operations director, while John Leary, is Emplas’ recently appointed sales and marketing director. Roberto Canassa, is also promoted to board level as IT director.

Kevin Johnson will continue to offer strategic leadership to the business as Emplas’ chairman, while its board will also be supported by a newly created management team.

Ryan Johnson, Managing Director, Emplas said: “We have seen some great growth but recognise that we need the right people – not just the right infrastructure – in place to ensure that it continues to be delivered sustainably.

“The appointments that we have made, allows us to bring some exceptionally experienced people into senior roles, which gives us depth and resource as a team to fulfil our ambitions for future growth.”

The post Emplas completes ‘organisational restructure’ appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Paul James, sales director, Extrudaseal

ExtrudaSeal has said it has seen a significant increase in demand for its new ‘fit-and-forget’ aluminium bi-folding door threshold gasket.

Launched at the end of 2016 it uses a unique semi-rigid box foot, to provide a secure fix, delivering improved compression and weather sealing over aluminium system company own-gaskets.

Suitable for retrofit and use with a wide range of aluminium systems including ALUK, it was developed by ExtrudaSeal’s in-house design team, specifically in response to installer and fabricator demand.

Paul James, sales director, Extrudaseal, said: “We saw an immediate jump in enquiries for aluminium bi-fold threshold gaskets following June’s heatwave. It’s clearly a time when people want to open-up their doors and make the most of outdoor and indoor spaces.

“Equally, it’s the time when gaskets can fail, either because they have been caught in opening and closing and are damaged, haven’t been fitted properly or have stuck because of a build of friction on the seal.

“That means callbacks and costs. It’s a source of frustration for so many installers which is why we developed our solution.”

Friction on bi-fold gasket seals is a known problem. Even where doors are fitted correctly, a lack of proper maintenance by the homeowner can lead to the build-up, which can lift the gasket out of the threshold or alignment on opening.

“Silicone lubricant sprays will reduce static build-up. The problem is that in some systems it doesn’t take much to lift the threshold gasket out of position and then it can easily catch as the door rollers pass alongside, the sash passes over or on shoot-bolts.

“As well as providing improved seal and compression, the major advantage of our gasket, is the semi-rigid box foot. This provides additional resistance so that even if you get a build-up of static, it doesn’t kick out of place.

“Callbacks cost installers money. Not just the replacement part but time on site and travel time. This can equate to thousands a year. If you’re a fabricator, it also doesn’t do you any favours with your customers”, said Paul.

“You shouldn’t be getting callbacks on gaskets unless doors haven’t been fitted properly or they have been abused, yet we have spoken to installers who have gone back repeatedly to the same job. The development of our semi-rigid box foot ends this cycle on a wide range of aluminium systems.”

www.extrudaseal.com

The post Static – a summer of bi-fold callbacks? appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Since the launch of their brand new aluminium factory, Sternfenster has been able to up the game with their aluminium range. With a wide range of aluminium windows and doors on offer, becoming a Sternfenster Approved Installer allows you to gain access to some of the very best products currently available on the market.

The range of aluminium windows from Sternfenster includes casement windows, sliding sash windows, tilt and turn windows and more to ensure any homeowner can simply and easily find the ideal style for their property. These windows utilise a market-leading profile to ensure Approved Installers expand their product range.

Network Members will also gain access to a wide range of high quality aluminium doors, including aluminium residential doors, aluminium French doors, aluminium bi-fold doors and aluminium patio doors. High performance and expertly crafted, these aluminium doors stand at the forefront of double glazed door design.

Notably increasing in popularity amongst homeowners, aluminium has proven to be an extremely effective material to use for modern home improvements. Excelling in security, durability, thermal efficiency and design, the aluminium range from Sternfenster will allow you to fit products that will reduce aftersales and guarantee satisfaction across the board.

To enhance this range further, Sternfenster is also offering the prestigious, Secured by Design aluminium bi-fold door.

With a wide range of profile and colour options available, Approved Installers will be able to accommodate for a wider demographic throughout their area of operation. All colours are fitted with a highly durable, powder coated finish to ensure they maintain their aesthetic over many years of use.

Sternfenster also offers impressive marketing tools to help Network Members to promote this exceptional range, with aluminium bi-fold doors and aluminium patio doors accompanied by their very own, professionally filmed product video to display their features and benefits in an interesting and engaging way. By becoming an Approved Installer, you’ll simply be able to offer more.

Nathan Court, Sales and Marketing Manager of Sternfenster, commented on the aluminium range:

“Our comprehensive, high quality aluminium range truly stands as an invaluable asset for installers across the UK. With the demand for aluminium growing exponentially throughout the market, becoming an Approved Installer will give businesses in the home improvement industry the support they need to keep up with modern standards.”

To offer your customers cutting-edge home improvements, become a Sternfenster Approved Installer today. Get in touch by giving Sternfenster a call on 01522 512 525 or by visiting their website at www.sternfenster.com.

Brian Berry

Homeowners should book in their builder at least four months before their project begins or risk working with a cowboy, new research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has revealed.

The research also shows that an alarming number of consumers don’t ask their builders for essentials such as a contract or references when embarking upon a major piece of building work.

Key statistics from the research show: More than 40% of builders need at least four months’ notice from consumers who want to hire their firm; 90% of builders say that the majority of home owners do not ask for a written contract; 80% of builders report that most consumers do not ask for an agreed payment schedule; Fewer than 10% of builders say that clients normally request to see vital insurance policies such as public liability or employer’s liability insurance.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “If a builder is free to start work tomorrow, alarm bells should ring. Demand for building work is incredibly high at the moment and it should be no surprise that almost one in two builders need to be contacted at least four months in advance of when a client is looking to start a home improvement project. The workloads of builders have been rising steadily over the past two years and there’s no shortage of work. That’s why we’re urging homeowners who are keen to crack on with their build or renovation projects to start getting in touch with prospective builders as soon as possible. Otherwise, they risk disappointment delaying their projects or worse still, working with a dodgy builder. So many building horror stories start with a client approaching a builder who’s free to start work sooner than the more professional builder who is really busy.”

Berry concluded: “There are also indications that home owners are leaving themselves vulnerable to problems in terms of how they approach their building work. The vast majority of builders say that most clients fail to ask for references and even fewer ask for a written contract on their work. There is a similar trend when it comes to asking for critical things like an agreed payment schedule and key warranties on work, as well as checking whether the builder has any external accreditation or recognition from professional trade association like the FMB. These protections really are essential to helping clients weed out the cowboys and mitigate against any issues that could crop up during the build. A quality builder will insist on these things and if they don’t, consumers ought to question why.”

www.fmb.org.uk

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