PHOENIX DOORS: ‘FIT SHOW WAS THE BEST SHOW IN 20 YEARS’

The 2017 FIT Show was the ‘best show in 20 years’ according to Phoenix Doors, which unveiled a number of new composite door developments on a shared stand C58 with its parent company MASCO UK Window Group.

Winning the Best Stand Design Over 80m² at the FIT Show Awards was the ‘icing on the cake’ that topped an incredibly successful show for the Cambridgeshire-based PVC door panel and GRP composite door manufacturer.

Speaking after a hectic three days that saw their stand ‘inundated’ with visitors, Phoenix Doors’ Sales Director Haydon Statham enthused: “Wednesday was a particularly busy day on the stand. The group’s product displays together with our Meridian Door and new County Collection door designs were inundated all day.”

He continued: “In my opinion, it was the best show for customer visitors I have seen in 20 years – just like the 1980s heyday! Plus winning the Best Stand Design award was the icing on the cake – it was like becoming a father all over again!”

At the FIT Show, Phoenix Doors revealed its expanded County Collection composite door and Meridian 70mm double-rebated composite door ranges and how they can offer yet more customer choice, including bespoke colours. Fresh contemporary glazing designs and a new multi-point entry lock also attracted much interest from fabricators and installers.

Haydon added: “As a complete door solution company for the retail replacement market, our broader product portfolio helps to ‘open doors’ for our customers to gain more business. The FIT Show was a tremendous success for us and generated many new sales leads, including a number for the bespoke coloured doors we can offer thanks to our much larger production facility in Huntingdon.”

For more information, please call Phoenix Doors on 01487 740469, email info@phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk or visit the website at www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk.

Image Above: New sponsors VEKA Group unveil next season’s Rosegrove kit to the chairman, coaches and team.

One of Burnley’s biggest employers – VEKA Group – has become the official club sponsor of local football team Rosegrove FC, marking the occasion with a charity match to be held on Sunday 16^th July.

The just-for-fun fixture will pit Rosegrove coaches against a team of employees from VEKA Group at the Kiddrow Lane ground, just a stone’s throw from the Rossendale Road Industrial Estate where the Group is based. All proceeds from the match will go towards raising funds at Rosegrove, and VEKA Group’s chosen charity for 2017; Pendleside Hospice.

Dawn Stockell, Marketing Director for VEKA Group said: “Everyone here is thrilled that we are now the official sponsor of Rosegrove FC. The new match and training kits look absolutely fantastic in ‘VEKA blue’ too! As for the charity match, I know lots of people here are raring to get on the pitch and we’re sure the day will raise lots of money for the club itself and Pendleside Hospice.

“The club ethos of ‘Listen, Respect, Fun’ is aligned to VEKA Group’s own brand values and working with the Rosegrove Football Club it is clear that it offers so much more than just football; this is a club that helps children from the ages of 3 to 13 learn about respect, sportsmanship and being part of a team; life skills which far outlast the time they spend on the pitch.”

Rosegrove Football Club officially opened in March 2011, having started out a year earlier as just a small group of infant school children and parents. Six years later, the football club has grown to over 300 members, divided into categories from ‘Soccer Tots’ (3-5 years) up to under 13s, and playing in matches for the Accrington District League, East Lancashire Football Alliance and the North Valley Burnley Youth League. The club is totally not-for-profit with coaching staff consisting solely of volunteers and every penny raised going back into the club.

Dawn added: “We’re proud to be sponsoring Rosegrove, which at its core is a place where people can come together, make new friends and spend some time in the fresh air. With over 300 members, it’s a big part of our community and lots of people in the area – and our company – will have some kind of connection to it.”

Guy Owen, chairman at Rosegrove Football Club said: “Both club and committee are very pleased to be in partnership with a company with great values, like the VEKA Group. Rosegrove is growing continuously with 24 teams entered into leagues for next season, all of which are under 13. As a grassroots club, we do need help financially and this is why this partnership was important to us. The new kits look fantastic, as well as the training kits and coaches’ tops. We are very excited about the future of our club, and the long term relationship we have with VEKA.”

www.vekauk.com

Edgetech UK, a Quanex company, becomes the first glazing components manufacturer to become CORGI Fenestration registered. The company now has access to the most recognised consumer mark in the glazing industry – CORGI.

Edgetech also becomes the first company to achieve CORGI Fenestration registered status since the FIT Show. Chris Mayne, CEO of CORGI Fenestration commented: “We were overwhelmed by the level of interest at FIT, and my colleagues and myself now have literally hundreds of leads to follow up – system houses, fabricators, manufacturers and installers.”

Mayne added: “We are delighted to welcome Edgetech into the CORGI Fenestration family. The company’s ethos reflects our own – trust, reliability, expertise and quality.

We look forward to working with them over the long haul and to helping them realise the outstanding benefits associated with the CORGI Fenestration name”.

Chris Alderson, Edgetech UK Managing Director, commented: “We were intrigued when we heard about the new CORGI Fenestration scheme and the more we found out about it the more we could see the value of being involved. Spacer is a small part of a unit, but a crucial one to get right for the end consumer, so it’s definitely a step forward that the CORGI Fenestration scheme is taking into account all contributors in the supply chain. We invest significant time and resource ensuring that we deliver consistently reliable product, but we take our responsibility further with our unique customer training and quality programme to ensure that glass units incorporating Super Spacer can also be trusted throughout the supply chain. Our CORGI seal of approval gives us and our customers the assurance that our product and business processes are first-class and we’ll be wearing that badge of honour with pride.”

CORGI Fenestration covers the whole supply chain from system houses, fabricators, component and IGU manufacturers through to installers and repair and maintenance services. Companies and individuals registered with CORGI Fenestration and recognised for their trust, reliability, expertise and quality can shout about this best practice by displaying the most recognised mark in the home improvements sector.

Products covered are: windows, roof windows, roof lights, doors, roof lanterns, conservatories, orangeries, glass extensions, sun rooms, tiled roof glass extensions, replacement conservatory roofs, porches, shop fronts, curtain walls, facias, bargeboards, cladding, soffits, guttering and downpipes. CORGI Fenestration also covers the best in qualifications. It accepts all glazing sector NVQs awarded by partner organisation GQA Qualifications and all in-house training recognised by them. Staff with these qualifications can now be issued with their personal CORGI Fenestration branded card and will be listed on a Skills Register.

www.corgifenestration.co.uk

Smart Architectural Aluminium has announced a new addition to its proven Alitherm range, with the launch of the Alitherm 500 range of high quality windows.

Providing both side-hung and top-hung options, this flush casement window system is the perfect solution for period properties. Recreating the traditional appearance of flush-fitting timber windows, the sash profile sits flat, in-line with the outer frame, to provide a completely uninterrupted aesthetic appearance.

At the same time, Alitherm 500 delivers all the thermal efficiency, performance, security and maintenance benefits of a modern aluminium solution, providing the assurance of a ‘B’ Window Energy Rating, an ‘A+’ BRE Green Guide rating and Kitemarks for both security and high weather performance.

Designed to meet the requirements of Document L of the Building Regulations, Alitherm 500 windows incorporate Smart’s innovative polyamide thermal break technology, which significantly reduces thermal transmittance and enhances the overall U-value of the product. The system can achieve a U-value of up to 1.4 W/m²K, depending on the system and glass unit.

And for the perfect finish, the window system is available in a wide range of standard and non-standard colours, with single and dual colour options including Smart’s own Naturals, Sensations, Alchemy and Cotswold colour ranges.

For more information, visit www.smartsystems.co.uk or call 01934 876 100.

Profile 22’s Optima profile suite may only have been launched last year, but all the signs are that it’s fast becoming the commercial system of choice for specifiers. Gerald Allen, Profile 22’s Marketing Manager, said: “Optima is a system designed for the 21^st century and beyond, which makes it very appealing in the first place. But the expertise and knowledge of our specification team takes that benefit to the next level. It’s something that gives Profile 22 fabricators a real competitive edge when tendering for commercial contracts.”

The award-winning Optima system offers two main systems in chamfered and sculptured variants, complemented with a heritage style flush casement system and a unique flush tilt and turn system designed to compete with aluminium, all of which have a familiar Profile 22 appearance for clear visual differentiation. The systems offer impressive technical innovations such as increased thermal chambers, deep drainage channels, a central eurogroove position, thickened walls around screw locations and a secure bead system. A wealth of glazing options, a wide range of ancillaries and an impressive colour selection add to the appeal.

But when it comes to commercial contracts, the quality of the profile is only the start of the story.

Profile 22 prides itself in helping specifiers to make the right choice of products for the specific application and project. Its in-house and field specification teams work collaboratively with local authorities, housing associations, procurement consortia, house builders and contractors to assist with all aspects of project planning, design, product and supplier selection.

Examples of the services offered include advice on specifications and current Building Regulations, surveying and structural calculations, section drawings of the Optima system for tender documents, forward planning and budgeting advice, supplying sample windows for planning approval and National Building Specification and BIM support.

Gerald concludes: “The expertise and proactiveness of our specification team makes choosing Profile 22 and Optima easy.” So if you are a fabricator working in the commercial market and wanting to secure more contracts, then Optima from Profile 22 could be the perfect answer.

www.profile22.co.uk

Torquay’s Fenster Fabrications is set to feature in an upcoming episode of ITV 1’s hit home improvement show Love Your Home and Garden.

The popular programme, which has been running since 2011, and regularly draws audiences in excess of 4m, sees a team of home improvement experts led by Alan Titchmarsh transform properties for deserving families in difficult circumstances.

Widely respected for its expertise in high-end aluminium glazing products, Fenster was approached by programme-makers and asked to supply a premium-quality sliding door.

“We’re obviously delighted to be featured in Love Your Home and Garden. It’s very pleasing to be recognised as one of the leading providers of aluminium windows and doors – but it’s just as satisfying to be supporting good people going through hard times.

“None of the homeowners featured on the show know they’ve been chosen to receive a home makeover – it’s a surprise, so I can’t say any more about the episode we’re involved in at the moment. You’ll have to tune in and see it for yourself!”

For more information, call 01626 334455 or visit www.uni-slide.com

The UK government has been urged to scrap its approach to deregulation of health and safety legislation in the light of the Grenfell Tower blaze.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, more than 70 organisations and figures from the UK’s safety and health profession have jointly called for a political sea change in attitude towards health and safety regulation and fire risk management following the tragedy.

The collective has also pressed the Government to complete its review of Part B of the Building Regulations 2010 – the regulations which cover fire safety within and around buildings in England – as a matter of urgency, and to include a focus on improved safety in the forthcoming Parliament.

The letter is signed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Park Health & Safety, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the British Safety Council.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM), National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Unite the union have also given it their backing, alongside senior health and safety professionals.

“We believe it is totally unacceptable for residents, members of the public and our emergency services to be exposed to this level of preventable risk in modern-day Britain,” the letter states.

“At this crucial time of national reflection and sorrow, we urge all politicians to re-emphasise the need for effective health and safety regulation and competent fire risk management. These are fundamental to saving lives and sustaining our communities.

“We believe it is vital that this disaster marks a turning point for improved fire safety awareness and wider appreciation that good health and safety is an investment, not a cost.”

In calling on the UK government to complete its review of Part B of The Building Regulations 2010, the signatories add: “Together, we offer our organisations’ support in undertaking the review – we all have valuable links to experts in this area who can advise on best regulatory outcomes. In the meantime, we welcome the government’s commitment to act and to implement the interim findings of the forthcoming public inquiry.

“You have it in your power to remove immediately a further risk to people at work and outside of the workplace – unwise deregulation – which threatens public and worker safety.

“We, leaders in health and safety in the UK, call on you to scrap the government’s approach to health and safety deregulation and think again.”

The post Government urged to end health and safety deregulation following Grenfell Tower blaze appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

New group brings timber, aluminium, PVCu and glass under ‘one roof’

Leading industry figures target growth in Scotland and rest of the UK

 Two leading figures in the window and glass industries have joined forces to form a new expanded group, The Saveheat Group. The group becomes the first company in Scotland to manufacture, timber, aluminium, PVCu and glass products for trade installers, the commercial and construction industries. This development follows the recent consolidation of Merlin Network (Scotland) into the group along with the formation of Blairs Aluminium Systems in 2016. The group also comprises Saveheat Glass and Blairs Timber Windows. Merlin Network’s expertise is in the window and conservatory sectors, while Blairs Aluminium Systems offers aluminium glazing systems. Saveheat Glass is a leading manufacturer of insulating glass units, whereas Blairs Timber Windows has been providing high quality timber windows and doors since 1913.

 Industry experts Alex Gray and Colin Torley are behind the move.  Managing director, Alex Gray, described the development as “significant” for the businesses. “The exciting new group set-up acknowledges that we can now provide a much wider set of options to our customers,” explained Alex.  “By offering timber, aluminium, PVCu and glass, we have become the first company in Scotland to manufacture the four fundamental materials in the window and glass industries to our customers.” Currently the main market is Scotland. But the new group is targeting increased sales across the whole of the United Kingdom and to build on the reputation that they already have with past and current contracts, according to sales and operations director, Colin Torley, “As we are unifying four incredibly strong brands in a clear, revitalised group, we believe it will enhance business opportunities in the whole of the United Kingdom, as well as boost the experience of our customers as they can now utilise our far-reaching group expertise,” said Colin.  “With our vast experience and years of combined trading, we feel that this will bring considerable benefits to our customers.”

 The group employs 150 staff across four manufacturing locations in the central belt of Scotland.  It has a current turnover of over £16million.  It delivers window and glass solutions for a variety of contractors, architects, builders and trade customers, ranging from bespoke arch-fronted timber windows for the Apple store in Buchanan Street, Glasgow, an office development in Harley Street, London, a £250,000 aluminium and glass project for a large customer in Oxford Street, London through to a £150,000 aluminium and glass project for an animal house in Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire to PVCu  window solutions for trade installers and housing associations throughout Scotland. A new website is currently being developed to support the formation of the group and to showcase the expanded range of products. 

The post New window and glass group targets growth in Scotland and rest of the UK appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.