See It at Greenbuild: First and Only Operable AW-Rated PVC System

Fensa has announced the finalists for the FENSA Installation of the Year Award 2017.

The finalists for the Fensa Installation of the Year Awards 2017 – which according to Fensa is the only industry award covering 78% of the replacement glazing market and which is based entirely on direct customer feedback – are:

• Artisan Conservatories and Windows, Clwyd
• C R Gilbert, Conwy
• Derbys Future Installations, Derby
• Mike Evans (Windows), Wrexham
• OZ Windows, Exeter

Commenting on the Awards finalists, Chris Beedel, director of membership, said: “We are extremely pleased with the calibre and range of entries and it was an incredibly tough job to identify the finalists. It’s great to witness Fensa members’ work being valued and highly rated by homeowners.”

The runners-up will receive an award certificate and use of the Fensa Installation of the Year logo.

The Fensa trophy will be presented at the G17 Awards, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane, on 17 November.

The post Fensa finalists announced appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Many original MTC Cards are expiring this Autumn and through 2018 and need to be renewed.  Installers and surveyors should be wary over which card they use as some have switched from being personal cards to company cards that need replacing each time you change job.  Those working on a sub-contracting basis may need more than one company card!

The new CORGI Fenestration Skills Card is YOUR personal card.  It represents the ‘gold standard’ by only recognising the best qualifications in the glazing sector – those developed and certified by GQA Qualifications.  It says to homeowners and employers that you are one of the best in the business.

It could not be easier to upgrade.  If your existing MTC Card was issued by you achieving a GQA accredited NVQ then you automatically meet CORGI Fenestration requirements and can get a card straight away.  If your NVQ is about to expire you can easily complete a competency upgrade and get your card that way.

“A CORGI Fenestration branded Skills Card means you hold the best qualifications in the business,” commented Mick Clayton, GQA CEO.  “They are based on National Occupational Standards regulated by Ofqual and delivered by GQA licenced assessors – the most experienced assessors in the industry.”

The CORGI Fenestration Skills Card has a host of other added features including: it’s also an identity card;  it can be scanned to reveal your qualifications and any GQA accredited training held centrally on the CORGI Fenestration Skills Register;  it can also be a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, where appropriate.

For more detailed information and to apply for your card, visit:

www.corgifenestration.co.uk/trade/get-corgi-fenestration-skills-card-today/

The CORGI Fenestration Skills Card costs £30 (ex VAT) for a 12-month renewable card.

The Construction Products Association’s Construction Trade Survey for Q3 shows that despite rising costs and diverging performance across sectors, the industry extended its run of growth to 18 quarters.

The survey of main contractors, SME builders, civil engineering firms, product manufacturers and specialist contractors found that the construction supply chain reported increases in sales, output and workloads in the quarter, driven by increased demand in private housing, repair and maintenance and infrastructure.

Net balances for enquiries and expected product sales for the year ahead remained muted, however, and contractors’ order books were sustained by work in only three sectors: private housing, housing R&M and non-housing R&M. New orders were reported lower in sectors such as commercial, industrial and public non-housing, which account for one-third of construction output.

The effects of Sterling’s depreciation in the second half of 2016, following the EU Referendum, are still pervasive, with 92% of main contractors, 85% of heavy side manufacturers and all light side manufacturers reporting a rise in raw materials costs in Q3. In spite of this, only a small proportion of contractors are increasing tender prices and, as a result, 31% of main contractors reported a fall in margins, the worst balance in five years.

Commenting on the survey, Rebecca Larkin, senior economist at the CPA, said: “This 18th consecutive quarter of growth reported by the industry stands in contrast to the construction recession in preliminary GDP data from the ONS. There is a clear division in fortunes across sectors, however, with weakness in the commercial and industrial sectors offset by strength in new build private housing, a sector where demand and confidence remain supported by the Help to Buy equity loan.

“In common with the wider economy, the construction industry continues to experience cost inflation, particularly for raw materials. A clear consequence of the supply chain trying to absorb these higher costs is the fall in contractors’ profit margins since the start of the year. Combined with a smaller pipeline of upcoming work in some key sectors, the survey’s more mixed view on near-term industry prospects is not surprising.”

Suzannah Nichol, chief executive of Build UK, said: “The latest Construction Trade Survey result highlights the industry’s continued growth, contrary to ONS’s statistics, with both contractors and specialist contractors reporting a rise in output during Q3. However, a lack of required skills remains a concern, with labour availability issues continuing to impact on contractors’ business performance. Build UK believes industry needs to recruit, train and retain a skilled workforce and we are working with members, government and other key stakeholders to ensure that this remains a key priority.”

CECA director of external affairs, Marie-Claude Hemming, said: “It is good news that our members see growth in infrastructure, to the benefit of businesses and communities across the country. However, uncertainty continues to act as a drag on the ability of the construction industry more generally to boost the economy. Ahead of the Autumn budget, we are calling on the UK Government to commit to the projects outlined in the National Infrastructure Delivery Plan, to secure the foundations of a strong economy, drive productivity, and deliver post-Brexit growth.”

The post CPA survey reveals 18th consecutive quarter of growth appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Celebrations have been taking place at Customade Group as it toasts being named finalist in an incredible four categories in the National Fenestration Awards. Four divisions within the group are up for gongs in the annual independent awards. Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions – the creator of the UK’s finest collection of glazed roof products – is finalist in the ‘Conservatory Roof Fabricator’ category, whilst leading composite door and PVCu door panel manufacturer Virtuoso has reached the shortlist in the ‘Composite and Panelled Doors category’.

Polyframe – the UK’s largest fabricator of PVCu windows, doors and conservatories – has been named as finalist in the ‘Fabricator/Manufacturer’ category and is the only fabricator on the shortlist to offer five PVCu systems. The industry defining aluminium brand REAL Aluminium is hoping to maintain its title of ‘Aluminium Company’ having won the award last year.

The multiple nominations highlight the unmatched capabilities of the recently enhanced Customade Group, which merged with Polyframe earlier this year. The group’s product portfolio now spans across PVC-u and aluminium windows and doors, composite doors, aluminium glazed roof products, sealed glass units and specialist glazing.

Claire Miller, Customade Group’s marketing director, says: “We’re absolutely delighted to be named as quadruple finalists. It’s a fantastic achievement for Customade Group and real industry recognition for the quality of our brands and the amazing teams behind them. These awards are the perfect round-off to a terrific year for the group and we’re looking forward to finding out who the winners are in December.”

Voting is now open to everyone and the finalists with the most votes will be announced in early December. Visit the NFA website – www.fenestrationawards.co.uk – to place your vote.

The post Four NFA shortlisting for Customade Group appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

(Left to Right) Angela Phillips, Jeremy Phillips, Mike Davis, Richard Smith, Martin Rowe and Allan Little

Gloucester-based aluminium specialist, CDW Systems, has announced a management buyout.

The existing senior management team of Richard Smith, Angela Phillips, Jeremy Phillips, Allan Little, Martin Rowe and Mike Davis have formed a new holding company, East Manor Group, which will manage its three operating companies, which includes CDW Systems, Clearway Doors & Windows and Designex Cabinets.

Mike Davis, who became managing director at CDW a year ago, said that while the company has been purchased from its group chairman, Jerry Webb, the new owners don’t intend to make any changes operationally to how the business is run on a day to day basis.

According to the new owners of CDW, Jerry will continue to be very active within the business, reviewing the strategic direction and pathway of the company well into the future.

Mike commented: “The management buyout at CDW Systems marks the beginning of the next chapter in the company’s history but we also want to stay true to our company’s long-standing values and standards.

“The six of us have purchased the company from Jerry but we are not planning to implement any major changes. Jerry will remain an important part of the business as a non-executive chairman and we look forward to continuing to benefit from his advice and extensive knowledge of the industry.

“On behalf of the team we’d also like to thank Jerry for this continued commitment to the business and his professionalism and vision in overseeing its success to date.”

Jerry Webb commented: “I’m very pleased that CDW Systems has passed into such experienced and dedicated hands. In my new role, I will continue to meet with customers and suppliers. Since the MBO in late September, I feel I’ve been even more actively involved in the company than I have been in recent years, so I don’t see myself slowing down anytime soon.”

CDW Systems was formed in 1992 and the last 25 years has seen the company expand along with the UK’s growing aluminium industry. Last year, the joint group turnover was reportedly in excess of £10 million.

The post MBO for CDW Systems appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

New findings from Palmer Market Research reveal that the total installed value of the UK conservatory market jumped by 9% to £1.05bn last year – the highest level since 2009.

According to the Market for Domestic Conservatories 2017 average installed prices also rose by 12%. The rate of fall in volume also slowed to 1.4% compared to 6% last year.

“Although the market appears to be in long-term decline, the conservatories that are being installed are larger and more sophisticated”, write the report’s authors. “. . . Another important trend is the growth of replacement conservatories.”

Nonetheless, the market still hit a new all-time low in volume of 77,700 units, with a 4% decline in first-time installations.

Robert Palmer, Managing Director, Palmer Market Research, said: “The conservatory sector remains a pretty mixed bag. ‘White boxes’ have lost their retail appeal and the market has seen a shift to larger, higher value installations and more flexible spaces.”

Figures from Palmer show that PVC-U remains the dominant material type across sectors, with aluminium remaining static and failing to replicate the inroads that it has made in other areas. Wood is again forecast to be static this year, ahead of decline going forward.

The Market for Domestic Conservatories also tracks the rapid growth seen in orangery and orangery-hybrid – up 38% in 2016. “There has been a perceptible switch to more versatile structures”, the report continues.

This, they add will also drive future growth in replacement products, which accounted for 29% of the total home improvement market last year.

The trend towards higher value products, reflects a broader shift across the window and door industry as a whole. The Window, Door and Conservatory Markets in Housing in Great Britain, published in September, citing growth of 1% in volume terms and 7% in value terms to £4.5bn, with fortunes very much defined by product and material type.

This is echoed in The Market for Domestic Conservatories, whichis available as a stand-alone report offering detailed analysis on the trends that will define the conservatory sector through to 2021.

“Going forward as with the industry as a whole, the conservatory sector represents a mix of opportunity and some areas of potentially quite painful contraction through to 2021”, said Palmer.

“This will be influenced by product type and in many cases, style of installation. There will also be growth opportunities from some perhaps more unexpected areas, so the fortunes of systems companies, fabricators and installers will be very much down to how they position their offers now.”

For more information log on at www.palmermarketresearch.co.uk email info@palmermarketresearch.co.uk or call 020 83908131.