Profile 22 launches new website

Profile 22 – home of the award-winning Optima system – has just launched a new website. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Profile 22, commented: “Our website is incredibly important to our marketing strategy: it receives over 2,000 visits a month and over 70% of people are first time visitors. Our new site puts Optima front and centre and is designed to increase engagement across all our chosen market sectors.” Profile 22’s new website is easy to navigate so visitors can find the information they need quickly. The content of the website has also been updated and expanded. There are clearly defined sections for trade visitors, commercial visitors and homeowners, with each section containing sector-specific information on Profile 22’s products plus relevant, focused information to add further value.

The Homeowner section of the website includes background on Profile 22 and a help and support section that contains everything from product brochures to maintenance guides.  The Trade section of the website includes background on Profile 22, product performance figures, service and support information as well as the Trade Hub where product information can be downloaded. And businesses wanting to enquire about working with Profile 22 can submit a simple form to start the conversation. The Commercial section of the website includes background on Profile 22, specification support information, environmental awareness information, case studies and a gallery as well as the Commercial Hub where product brochures can be downloaded. There is also a simple form to enable architects and specifiers to request specification support for a specific project, speeding up the process of getting the information they need.

Finally, the new website is consistent with the new Profile 22 branding to create a visually seamless visual experience both online and offline.  Overall, www.profile22.co.uk is a reflection of the commitment to being transparent, proactive and innovative for which the company is known.

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CENSolutions Ltd has won recognition for its commitment to trust, reliability, expertise and quality by attaining CORGI Fenestration Audit Centre status. CORGI Fenestration has been established to acknowledge the best in glazing company management, customer service, qualifications, the best qualified staff and their continuing professional development.

CENSolutions, the leading certification and compliance consultancy for the glass and fenestration industry, was established in 2003 with the aim of remedying the serious shortfall in the quality and level of advice being offered at the time. In the 14 years since, the company has worked hard to become one of the leading consultancy partners in the sector. This latest achievement and association with the much-trusted CORGI brand is a further endorsement of CENSolutions’ continued commitment to the industry.

CENSolutions Joint Managing Director Wayne Rogerson comments: “We immediately recognised the benefits of the much-trusted CORGI brand coming into the fenestration sector. We see its potential in allowing our industry to put itself on an equal footing with other home improvement industries which win consumer business based on delivering goods and services recognised as being formally qualified to do so. Becoming a CORGI Fenestration Audit Centre will prove invaluable to CENSolutions and our customers, and we look forward to carrying out audits on behalf of CORGI Fenestration against the stringent scheme requirements.”

“We are delighted to welcome CENSolutions into the CORGI Fenestration family,” commented Chris Mayne, CEO of CORGI Fenestration. “Wayne and his audit team are recognised for their industry experience and professionalism and as such are a perfect fit for us.”

www.censolutions.com  

www.corgifenestration.co.uk

On the back of recent news that the company’s sales are up 25%, thanks in part to existing customers growing, Deceuninck is delighted to announce that it and two of its aforementioned growing customers, have made it through to the finals of the coveted G-Awards.

Rob McGlennon of Deceuninck said: “We encouraged and supported those customers that wanted to enter the G17 awards because we recognise the importance of such third party endorsements. We’re thrilled to have got through ourselves for New Product of the Year with our Heritage Flush Sash, but we’re especially pleased for customers Dempsey Dyer and Building Product Solutions for their finalist positions in the Commercial Project of the Year and Fabricator of the Year categories respectively.

“Dempsey Dyer has been shortlisted for its part in the prestigious Hinckley Point project, while Building Product Solutions has been shortlisted for their unique business proposition as a successful new build fabricator that is genuinely built on relationships. The Deceuninck entry for New Product of the Year meanwhile was of course for our Heritage Flush Sash – an innovation that delivers a real solution to a growing market and is available in 26 colourways from stock. A product perfectly suited to the ever-growing Heritage sector and looking equally at home in either a country cottage or modern townhouse. We thought at the time of launch it would end up being one of the most talked about products in 2017 and our position in the G17 finals is further evidence that we were right.

“Getting through to the finals of such prestigious industry awards alone adds credibility to the work that we collectively do but of course we’ve got our fingers firmly crossed for the awards night in November, for ourselves but genuinely most of all, for our deserving customers.”

www.deceuninck.co.uk

The post G17 nominations for Deceuninck and its customers appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

The Window Company (Contracts) has continued its commitment to training its team with the appointment of James McGuire as its newest young apprentice.

Shortlisted at the G-16 Awards for the Training and Development Initiative of the Year and the proud holder of the coveted Kitemark for window installation, the specialist commercial installer works tirelessly to set the very highest standards in training and staff development.

James will therefore benefit from a structured training programme leading initially to an NVQ Level 2 in fenestration, with the aim of becoming a fully qualified fitter within 5 years.

Managing Director Rob Petre said: “We have spotted great potential in James so we’re supporting him to establish a worthwhile career with us, learning every aspect of the job from yard to site.

“As everyone in the construction industry knows, it’s increasingly difficult to recruit skilled labour so the obvious route is to increase the number of apprenticeships on offer and train our own teams.”

20 year old James is working initially in The Window Company (Contracts)’ yard at its headquarters in Chelmsford, with additional time spent with his mentor and out on site.

The company is growing fast and is continuing to look for capable, committed people to join its team in a variety of roles. Further details are at: www.thewinco.co.uk

The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has welcomed the news that three directors from Cheshire and Liverpool were sentenced for their fraudulent business under the trading name of ‘Green’ that falsely offered funding grants for ‘A’ energy rated and/or Pilkington windows and doors.

The prosecution in May 2017 was the successful result of a lengthy and complex investigation of a sophisticated fraud case carried out by Chartered Trading Standards Institute officers with the help of BFRC and the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) acting as expert witnesses on the case.

Between January 2010 and August 2014, the company sought to mimic and take advantage of the government’s Green Deal for consumers on insulation and heating by offering non-existent grants for replacement PVC-U windows and doors.

Consumers were told they were receiving either Local Authority or government grants, when in reality they were simply getting a discount on inferior non-energy efficient products.

The company claimed to be Fensa registered and that the window/door products complied with applicable quality/safety standards. All the claims were false.

Two of the directors (Susan Greer, 55, and Terrence Greer, 76, of Willaston, Cheshire) were both sentenced to two years custody suspended for two years, one with an order of 100 hours unpaid work and the other ordered with a curfew tag until September 2017. A third director, Gary Parle, 45, of Calderstones, Liverpool and director of Arena Windows NW, was ordered to pay £30,000 compensation to the victims of their crimes and £10,000 costs to Denbighshire County Council.

Lis Clarke, operations manager, BFRC, said: “We welcome the robust enforcement action taken by Denbighshire County Council Trading Standards officers. This prosecution sends a clear strong message to rogue traders that they must get their accreditations and energy ratings correct or they will face the consequences.”

The BFRC, FENSA and the GGF will continue to work with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to deal with any breaches of false energy ratings and other claims that harm consumers and the integrity of the glass and glazing industry.

The post BFRC welcomes fraud prosecution appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Insight Data’s Andrew Scott says there are still opportunities in the window industry despite current business ‘challenges’

Insight Data has published its latest industry report, giving a comprehensive overview of the UK window, door and conservatory industry along with the top performing companies.

The report follows research carried out on more than 15,000 companies and includes analysis, trends and opinion on the current state of the industry, including detailed information on fabricators, installers, trade counters and the growth of ‘builder installers’ as well as developments in products and materials.

According to the report, the industry has experienced an ‘unpredictable’ year with more companies reporting a slowdown in sales, some by as much as 15%. However, others are recording strong performance, particularly in premium products and commercial/new build sectors.

The report states that there are 15,099 window, door, IGU and conservatory companies in the UK, an increase of 328 since 2014.

In 2008, there were 2,370 PVC-U fabricators, but this number has declined year on year and by 2014 had dropped to 1,534 companies.

However, over the last five years, aluminium is said to have enjoyed a ‘considerable resurgence’ within the residential window and door market, with the main driver said to be aluminium bi-fold doors, as consumers ‘demand greater space and light within living areas’.

Meanwhile, composite doors, were found to have moved from ‘a niche product into the mainstream’, single storey extensions and tiled roof conservatories are said to be ‘creating new opportunities’ and trade counters were found to be ‘expanding rapidly, potentially disrupting the market’. There was also found to be a significant rise in ‘premium’ products, such as vertical sliders
Despite what is described as a ‘tumultuous period’ including the Brexit vote, and ‘huge political upheaval on both sides of the Atlantic’, many companies are said to have made significant investments in the last 12 months.

While, says the report, ‘we don’t yet know the full extent of Brexit, imported raw materials prices have risen due to the value of the pound against the Euro, while skills shortages are affecting the entire construction industry’. According to Insight Data, this is likely to worsen if tighter immigration controls are enforced.

However, on a more positive not, the report states that interest rates remain low, unemployment is at a record low and consumers are spending, ‘albeit more cautiously’. Furthermore, recent government stimulus to increase house-building will ensure the new-build market will remain buoyant while a continued drive towards lower carbon, energy efficient homes will help bolster the replacement market.

Product diversification and economies of scale are said to have become ‘major drivers’ in the fenestration industry and this has created a new round of mergers and acquisitions. This, says the report, is likely to continue as banks and private equity/venture capital firms take ‘renewed interest in the UK manufacturing sector.

Insight Data’s managing director, Andrew Scott, commented: “The industry is currently facing some challenges with more companies now reporting a slowdown in business, some by as much as 15%. However, there are still plenty of opportunities and a number of companies are bucking the trend. The increase in mergers and acquisitions over the last year also points to a realignment of the industry. Market intelligence is the key to informed, strategic decisions.”

The Insight Report gives a full snapshot of the industry, analysing fabricators and installers by region, sectors, products, financial performance and more. It also includes a ‘Top 100’ list showcasing the top 100 companies by turnover and the top 100 companies by net worth.

The full report is available free, for a limited period, at www.insightdata.co.uk/reports

The post Insight Data publishes latest window industry report appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Image Above:  Inside AluK’s factory

September 2017 marked the official opening of AluK’s new 350,000 sq ft South Wales headquarters and the launch of its hugely impressive new design studio, Academy and R&D facility.

Russell Yates, Managing Director of AluK

The company has now completed what has been a multi-million pound investment in the purchase and transformation of the site of the former wind turbine tower factory in Chepstow, and created the ideal platform for its ambitious expansion plans in the UK.

Following on from record breaking growth over the past three years, AluK now has the capacity to produce 12,000 tonnes of aluminium profile per annum at Chepstow. With more thermal break assembly lines, more stockholding, and a brand new state of the art Polyester Powder Coat Vertical line paint line, which is a first by any systems company globally encompassing an online pre-anodising system, it is equipped to provide market leading service alongside its innovative, precision quality product range.

Speaking at the press opening of the facility, Managing Director Russell Yates said: “The investment here in Chepstow represents a giant leap for the company in the UK – we’re immensely proud of the new facility and now want to welcome as many customers as possible to see the size and scale of our commitment to the region and to the market.”

Academy

Alongside the new factory, AluK revealed its new, dedicated training Academy providing a range of design, installation and software courses for customers and specifiers. Fully equipped with the very latest aluminium machinery from Emmegi (UK), the Academy enables customers to get practical training on every aspect of fabrication as well as product installation.

Technical Director Nick Cooper, who is responsible for the Academy, said: “We believe this is the most advanced facility of its kind in the UK for fabricators and installers of aluminium fenestration products. Whether customers are new to aluminium or are experienced manufacturers wanting to learn about any of our new products, we have a range of very worthwhile courses on offer – and all free of charge of course.”

There are full details on the AluK Academy and the courses available to book at: www.alukacademy.co.uk

Design Studio

AluK has also invested in its second UK Design Studio at Chepstow. This is an impressive 300m²space showcasing its complete range of products, with many full size installations in place, and providing a venue for presentations and events.

AluK opened its first Design Studio in London’s Worship Street last year, and that has proved so popular that the company has repeated the formula in Chepstow, creating a venue suitable for use by customers, clients and architects.

Product strategy

Coinciding with the official opening, AluK set out its product strategy for the trade and residential market, creating three clearly defined tiers to enable customers to identify the right products for their target sectors and to differentiate their offerings.

AluK’s mainstream products are now all being marketed under the Optio brand, its premium products are branded Luminia and its high end retail products are Infinium. It has already appointed select partners for the Infinium range and will be announcing details of a similar select partner scheme for Luminia shortly.

Reception at AluK’s Chepstow HQ

The company previewed a whole raft of exciting new product innovations in each of those tiers at the FIT Show in May, and has already released both the innovative Luminia Veranda system and the stunning Infinium panoramic sliding door to customers.

Marketing Director Sioned Webb announced at the factory opening that the Luminia F82 bi-fold, which AluK says will set a new benchmark in the bi-fold sector, will be officially launched to customers in October, with the show stopping Luminia SC156 sliding door following shortly.

Sioned said: “Our priority is to enable customers to use these products to target the premium sector of the market where we know there is still very robust demand. We want to partner with them to ensure that they get the sales and marketing support they need to promote the products effectively and to create strong and sustainable margins for themselves.”

Future plans

AluK is not standing still. It will announce details of its new paint facility in 2018 and is busy developing a strategy to increase awareness of its brand in the consumer market.

Russell Yates added: “AluK is on a very exciting journey here in the UK. We have a fantastic facility, an exciting new product range, and an experienced and highly motivated team geared and ready to take us forward. We know that there is still huge potential in the aluminium sector and we have shown that we have the confidence and, most importantly, the resources to be able to make the most of that.”

www.aluk.co.uk

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has released its Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2016.

The GGF Annual Report 2017 highlights the Federation’s outstanding financial performance in 2016 which was significantly boosted by the sale of the GGF’s offices in London Bridge and the subsequent relocation to Rushworth St, Southwark in October 2016.

Phil Pluck, GGF Group Chief Executive, commented: “The GGF now has considerable financial stability that will allow the Federation to continue to invest in the infrastructure and resources to improve our services for the benefit of the Membership.”

The GGF’s greatly improved support for consumer facing Members is also featured within the Report. In February 2016, the GGF gained approval from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute for its Consumer Code of Practice. On the back of this approval the GGF revamped its consumer support package with increased consumer protection, an improved conciliation service to help resolves disputes between GGF Members and consumers, plus the development of the award-winning consumer advice website MyGlazing.com.

The Report also underlines an outstanding year for the GGF Technical and Marketing departments. Throughout 2016 the GGF launched or revised over one third (45) of all its Technical publications. On the Marketing and PR front, GGF brand awareness levels reached new heights of over 33 million readership across print and online media.

Phil Pluck added: “The GGF is now in its strongest ever position, but we will not rest on our laurels as there’s always room for improvement. The Federation will continue to promote the highest standards to the industry, in the political arena and to consumers.”

John Agnew, GGF President concluded, “2016 was a year of transition for the GGF, but all the changes were made in the best interests of GGF Members. The Federation is now best placed to serve Members better than ever, to ensure they cope with the many challenges ahead.”

You can download the GGF Annual Report from GGF Publications: GGF Annual Report 2017