VBH Unveils greenteQ Security Door Handle

The TS007 Kitemark sets out to provide effective protection against attacks on the profile cylinder through picking, drilling, bumping, and the snap & extract method. The standard tests profile cylinders and handles together and gives the handle/cylinder combination a 3 star overall rating.

VBH has unveiled the Alpha 2-Star security door handle set as the latest addition to the greenteQ range. When used in conjunction with a 1 star rated profile cylinder the handle enables manufacturers and installers to provide a 3 star rated solution to BSI Kitemark TS007.

The greenteQ Alpha 2-Star handle has been successfully tested to TS007 in conjunction with the greenteQ Q-Star 1 star profile cylinder.

VBH advise that Alpha 2-Star is truly a part of the greenteQ Suite as it features the decorative greenteQ groove around the backplate and incorporates the Alpha lever.

The backplate shrouds a solid stainless steel core that, in conjunction with steel fixings, provides excellent protection against attack and removal, whilst the profile cylinder hole features a flange that prevents the cylinder from being removed from outside with the handle set in place.

Standard 215mm fixing centres mean that upgrading handles on existing installations is simple, with only minimal additional routing required around the cylinder. No further cylinder protection is required.

VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says ‘We’re delighted to add Alpha 2-Star to our product portfolio as it is the perfect partner for our Q-Star TS007 profile cylinder that has proved so popular since we launched it last year. Customers have been eagerly awaiting its arrival so they can fit an all-greenteQ TS007 solution.’

The handle is available in anthracite grey as well as the five core greenteQ Suite finishes. VBH advise that this makes it ideal for many of the grey doors that are becoming more popular, including PAS24 rated Clearspan bi-fold doors.

For further information call VBH on 01634 263263 or email sales@vbhgb.com.

Aluplast has launched its new retail window and door configurator, which allows homeowners to model the effect of frame, finish and design against their property type. The new online tool is available at:  http://konfigurator.aluplast.net/  and features an easy-to-use dashboard, which allows visitors to select the style of their property and then switch between different aluplast systems and finishes to build their perfect specification. Ian Cocken, Director of Sales and Marketing, aluplast, said that the new aluplast configurator offered aluplast installers and access to a powerful retail sales tool. He said: “Showing homeowners how their frame and finish choice can define the character of their property gives you a platform to communicate all of the other technical benefits delivered by new windows and doors. Energy efficiency and security are critical elements in window specification but aesthetics drive engagement and tap into buyer aspiration for their homes, particularly colour finish and choice. Instantly switching between different aluplast systems and finish choices, the configurator offers a great way of capturing attention and lends itself to promotion across social media channels.”

Aluplast’s established offer in the UK is built around the Ideal 70 system. With a choice of 24mm to 44mm glazing options, the slim line ovolo profile, easily accommodates triple-glazed systems, with triple-glazed options achieving a low U-Value with standard components. This allows it to comfortably achieve a WERs A⁺⁺ rating. aluplast has added to this the Ideal 4000, which will be officially launched at the FIT Show in May this year. The leading-edge 70mm PVC-U casement system is defined by a contemporary ‘square-line’ profile, plus the a highly innovative ‘clip-and-fix’ aluskin aluminium external skin finishing option. The German systems house, also offers 27 foils ex-stock across both the Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000. This includes three smooth or ‘sanded’ finish options, Basalt Grey; Anthracite Grey; and Brushed Aluminium.

D&G Consulting suggests that colour, will be a “key battleground” through to 2018. Aluplast foils are offered on next available deliveries, with lead times of 15 days or less on special orders and no minimum order, no surcharge and no set-up costs. The Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000, are optionally available in aluplast’s global leading green recycled PVC-U technology ecotech. This locks recycled material away inside the profile, co-extruding it with virgin material to guarantee a pristine surface finish.“The configurator offers installers a very neat solution”, continued Cocken. “If you’re trying to get an understanding of how your new windows and doors are going to impact and define the character of your property, a picture speaks a thousand words. The configurator provides homeowners with a practical illustration of how new windows and doors are going to look but far more valuable, installers with a platform for engagement.”

The post Aluplast launches retail window and door configurator appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Leon Friend, director at Hueck UK

A series of proposed infrastructure projects surrounding the Northern Powerhouse initiative, which hopes to attract investment into northern areas, could open fresh opportunities for manufacturers of building products in the UK, according to Hueck.

As well as proposed infrastructure projects including the HS2 high-speed railway connecting London, Birmingham, the East Midlands, Leeds and Manchester, Hueck, which manufactures and supplies aluminium windows, doors and façades, believes that manufacturers are also set to benefit from an increase in new housing as ‘young professionals flock to the major (northern) cities’.

Leon Friend, director at Hueck UK, says the company has seen an increase in demand for its aluminium systems for projects in cities such as Manchester and Birmingham.

He commented: “We have seen increased demand for our solutions for multi-storey residential projects in the cities; as well as commercial projects. As more young people flock to the cities, the need for single occupancy homes is growing bigger. New-build houses to buy are out and build-to-rent apartments are in.

“And this will only increase as stronger transport links are forged and more people see the North as a more attractive place to work and live.”

www.hueck.com

The post Northern Powerhouse will benefit aluminium says Hueck appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

With little more than a year to go before strict new laws governing the energy efficiency of rental properties come into force, Emplas is highlighting significant new opportunities for installers.  Under the legislation any residential property rented after 1^st April next year will need to achieve a minimum ‘E’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. It means that residential landlords have between now and this time next year to bring the thermal efficiency of their properties up to scratch or be banned from agreeing new rentals.  Hefty fines for agreeing new rental agreements on properties which fall short of the minimum standard, after the law comes into force are also in place. 

John Leary, Sales and Marketing Director, Emplas said: “Much of our housing stock was built in the pre-war period and is notoriously ‘leaky’. What’s equally significant is that around 75 per cent of the residential properties that will be occupied in 2050, already exist. “This makes improving the energy efficiency of our existing housing stock key. With rental properties among some of the least energy efficient, the new legislation on their energy efficiency is no less important. That’s why the Government is taking it so seriously and why approaching local landlords and landlord associations, represents such a significant opportunity for installers.”

As an added incentive to landlords to improve the thermal performance of their properties, the same regulations will come into force on those tenancies agreed before 1^st April 2018 by the 1^st April 2020. Anyone who breeches the regulation will face a civil penalty of up to £4,000. Manufacturing one of the UK’s most energy efficient systems, Emplas is well placed to support customers in accessing this potentially highly lucrative market. 

Optima, launched by Profile 22 last year, features a six chamber outer-frame and five chamber sash. This means that the 70mm system achieves U-values as low as 0.9W/m²K and an A⁺⁺ WER. With 24-44mm beading. Improved sealing with a 10mm cover, a 35 per-cent increase in hardware retention through local thickening, plus a wider colour and foil offer, give the system strong credentials in a retail environment. The Profile 22 Optima flush casement option is proving particularly popular for period properties where the Energy Performance Rating is normally lowest. “This legislation is less ‘carrot’ and much more ‘stick’, said Leary. “There’s a real incentive now to landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their residential property portfolios and for installers, that represents a very tangible opportunity this year”, he concluded.

The post Enforced Energy efficiency upgrades generate opportunity in rental sector appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

FIT Show 2017 is almost upon us, which means that it’s almost time for the FIT Show Awards. Now in its second year the awards ceremony will commence on the evening of Wednesday 24^th May at the FIT Show’s popular Gala Dinner and the shortlist of nominees has now been revealed. Shortlisted in the Best Creative FIT 2017 Marketing Campaign category are: AluK, REAL Aluminium (Customade), Epwin Window Systems and Camden Group. While the shortlist for Most Effective Use of Social and Digital Media are: AluK, Selecta Systems, Promac Group and KAT UK. With six categories in total, the remaining four categories are open to all companies exhibiting at the FIT Show and require no formal entry. Judged by an independent panel of judges who will be walking around the FIT Show and making decisions based upon what they see, the remaining categories are:

• Best Stand Design Under 80m2
• Best Stand Design Over 80m2
• Most Creative Shell Scheme/Package Stand
• Most Successful Visitor Campaign in Terms of Visitors Delivered – the winner of this category will be decided after an analysis of FIT Show visitors at the show itself.

“We were delighted with the amount and high quality of entries for this year’s awards,” said Nickie West, Event Director for the FIT Show. “Just like everyone else we’re looking forward to the Gala Dinner so we can discover who the judges choose as the overall winners.”

This year’s FIT Show Awards judging panel is made up of five of the exhibition industry’s best: NEC’s B2B Marketing Manager, Gemma Piggott, NEC Account Manager, Liz Cawley, AEO and FaceTime Marketing Director, Jenni Jaques, Exhibition News Reporter, Nicola Macdonald, and Exhibition Consultant, Alison Jackson.

Winners will be announced at the FIT Show Gala Dinner on the evening of 24^th May 2017.

The post FIT Show 2017 awards shortlist revealed! appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

The closest relationship many fabricators have with their supplier is with their dedicated Business Development Manager and they are likely to be your first point of contact when you have any questions or need any support. And when it comes to Distinction Doors, you’re in safe hands because the team of four Business Development Managers has been in the industry for a combined total of over 50 years.

Andy Grogan, Distinction’s National Sales Manager, who heads up the team, comments: “We’re on hand whenever customers need advice or support on our products or how to make the most out of them. But while we may be the experts on Distinction products, we never forget that our customers are the experts on their businesses, so we are always operating on an equal footing with mutual respect for each other’s knowledge.”

Andy has been in the industry for 25 years. He’s joined by Cara Allan, who has been in the industry for 12 years, Julie Rose, who has been in the industry for 5 years, and Steve Jones who has been in the industry for 10 years. Andy says: “We’ve got a great deal of experience and we are all proud to be part of a committed and enthusiastic team at Distinction Doors.”

As well as being the first point of contact for existing customers, the Business Development team is also tasked with bringing new customers on board. Andy says: “One of the best things about working for Distinction Doors is that we are genuinely proud of the product we sell. It’s the market leader with good reason and I always enjoy talking to prospective customers because I know how strong the offering is.”

Distinction Doors is renowned for the quality of its product but as the depth of experience in the Business Development team shows, the quality of its people is equally strong. It’s why the company retains its position at the pinnacle of the market year after year.

www.distinctiondoors.co.uk

Purplex, the marketing agency for the glass & glazing industry, recently teamed up with a global expert in Google analytics to help the agency strengthen its online marketing results for clients.

Based in Brussels, Remco Van Der Beek advises and trains some of the world’s leading organisations on Google analytics.

Andrew Scott, Managing Director of Purplex, arranged for Remco to travel from Brussels to London to spend a day with the Purplex digital team to gain deeper insights on the latest Google updates and analytics.

Andrew commented: “We are obsessed with delivering better online results through SEO and PPC than anyone else in the marketing industry, so convincing a renowned global expert to travel to the UK to work exclusively with us was a great achievement.”

Purplex has an office in Trafalgar Square, central London, but Andrew arranged for 12 of the Purplex digital marketing team to travel from its Bristol HQ to work directly with Remco.

“It is vital that businesses continue to invest in training and development to stay ahead of the curve. A couple of days out of the office for 12 staff is a big commitment, but it is already paying dividends with a much deeper understanding of Google methodologies, which can only benefit our customers”

For more information call Purplex on 01934 808132 or visit www.purplexmarketing.com

The latest findings from Insight Data reveal the number of double glazing showrooms have increased from 3,460 to 3,764 in the last two years, with an average of 12 new show centres opening every month across the UK – and the trend is set to continue.  Insight Data’s Managing Director, Andrew Scott commented: “In the 90s every high street had a string of double glazing showrooms, but we saw a decline from the early 2000s as margins tightened and installers cut costs. The financial crisis of 2008 coupled with consumers moving from high-street to online accelerated the decline, but this trend is now reversing. A shift in consumer behaviour and an evolving market are key factors. While high-street visitor numbers have dwindled, new destinations that combine shopping, leisure and entertainment are booming. Out of town shopping, large garden centres with plenty to see and do, and leisure parks are all attracting consumers and proving lucrative to savvy retailers. It’s about creating a consumer experience, a destination, not just a shopping trip.”

Another major factor is product development. If installers are all selling the same white plastic window there is very little difference. But the industry has seen an upsurge in product innovation with aluminium back in vogue, timber gaining more popularity and a raft of new window and door products on the market.  While consumers will do their research online, most will want to see products before buying, especially if they are new or include innovative features. Show centres at busy destinations, such as large garden centres, give installers the best of both worlds – excellent foot-fall and the opportunity to demonstrate exciting new products.

“Consumers are more selective than ever and having a quality, well designed showroom with great products will attract more visitors and help to convert more sales. It gives consumers a sense of confidence and helps installers sell at premium prices.”

Insight Data conducts regular research in the construction, building and home improvement industries, and provides business information for marketing purposes.

For more information contact Insight on 01934 808293

The post Insight Data reveals showrooms are back in vogue as double glazing showrooms increase appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

The Glazerite UK Group Ltd has further increased their offering after recently teaming up with acclaimed flood defence manufacturer Flood Angel. Customers now have access to a range of high-specification flood doors, which include residential, French & composite, along with the opportunity to become part of an exclusive retail partner network authorised to market the products throughout the UK.

The composite door, the first of its kind in the UK, is based on a Palladio monocoque slab, Halo frame, patented seals and Maco hardware with a key feature being that it is fully compliant with PAS 1188 –1:2014, as are the other doors in the range. The certification guarantees that the door is able withstand water levels up to 600mm deep, all made possible thanks to a group of unique components including highly specialised locking mechanisms and gaskets.

Jason Thompson, Director of The Glazerite UK Group says more and more homeowners are concerned about the risk of flooding: “They recognise the need to protect their homes but they also want the reassurance of a high-specification defence system, and nowhere more so than the doors.

“Flood Angel has a reputation second to none for all kinds of flood mitigation systems, including its range of Flood Defender doors. Now, we are inviting installer partners to become part of a network of exclusive dealerships to market the door all around the UK and tap into this lucrative market.”

Flood Angel CEO Frank Kelly added: “Any flood door is only as good as the quality of fitting, every applicant to the retail network must undergo intensive training by the manufacturer to ensure installation standards are as high as the specification demands.

Frank continued: “Our doors, like all Flood Angel products, are made to the highest specification to tackle the serious challenges caused by flooding. Working with such a respected company as Glazerite, as well as a network of fully trained and monitored installation companies, we can be sure those standards are matched all the way from the factory to the finished product in every customer’s home.”

Flood Angel has its own BSI approved testing facility – the first ever private facility of its kind in the UK – at its Droitwich HQ, including a replica house in a flood tank complete with wave machine, where all its products are developed and thoroughly tested.

The Glazerite UK Group is VEKA’s largest trade fabricator in the UK and a long-standing Network VEKA member. It offers a fully nationwide service based on manufacturing units in Northants, Peterborough and Greater Manchester as well as its South West distribution hub in Bristol serving South Wales and The West of England.

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

Picture above: (Top left) The Goliath team; (right) Shane Howells; (bottom left) Thistle. (MG Windows was unable to attend).

Glazerite installers have beaten all previous records, taking a fantastic five out of seven national trophies – including overall winner – at the annual Network VEKA Awards on Saturday.

Top of them all, scooping its 15^th national Network VEKA Award as Member of the Year, as well as the £1.5million-plus category, was Aberdeen-based Thistle Windows and Conservatories, followed by NV founder member Goliath Homeworld of Cannock in the £1m-1.5m category, Shane Howells of Ledbury in the £750k-£1m and MG Window Systems of Northampton in £500k-£750k.

Glazerite UK Group Ltd also saw another 15 of its installer partners listed as finalists in the national categories, including six in the two, smaller turnover, categories where it did not have a winner, and over half (12 out of 23) of the total new entries and re-entries into the organisation’s elite 100% Club.

This year’s Network VEKA Awards had been reconfigured to replace the UK regional trophies with seven national awards, in six categories based on turnover plus a Member of The Year, as well as trophies for best new member in the North and South respectively as before. The ceremony was held at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Warwick, where the trophies were presented by Network VEKA brand ambassador, snooker legend Steve Davis.

“Our installer partners have excelled themselves yet again,” said Jason Thompson, Director of the Glazerite UK Group Ltd, after the presentation.

“Network Veka is second to none in this industry for the standards it sets and the quality that its members consistently deliver, and these awards are among the most coveted in the industry. The trophies are a credit to every one of the winners but we are also very proud of our absolute commitment to helping them and all of our installer partners to grow with the best possible support that any trade fabricator could offer.”

He added: “It is well worth noting that these winners, just as in previous years, are those businesses that have fully embraced the Network Veka package and made the best use of everything it offers – something that we at Glazerite have always encouraged our member installers to do. This year, the change in the awards to a national base means all the members are competing against their peers on a level playing field rather than region by region.

“Also this year, all Network VEKA members passed £1billion accumulated sales and still maintained their 97% average customer satisfaction rate; that is a truly market-leading performance.”

The Glazerite UK Group is VEKA’s largest trade fabricator in the UK and a long-standing Network VEKA member. It offers a fully nationwide service based on manufacturing units in Northants, Peterborough and Greater Manchester as well as its South West distribution hub in Bristol serving South Wales and The West of England.

The Glazerite UK Group will be at the FIT Show, stand E15.

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk