SELECTA- 35 YEARS YOUNG, PRIMED AND FIT

Celebrating 35 years of business is no easy feat in this industry as many system houses and profile systems have found over the last 10 years or so. Selecta Systems go in to the FIT Show celebrating their 35^th year with a very positive feeling about the future, but have never forgotten their roots that got them where they are today. It’s this delicate, but fine mix of past, present and future that see’s Selecta’s position in the market and most importantly the Advance 70 System, flourishing as they embark on a new chapter in their proud history.

Selecta History in Brief

The Selecta journey started in May 1982, in the South of England with the Selecta MK1 profile system shipped in from Germany. This was to be a mechanically jointed window system using a block system and rivets and was the original system that set Selecta on their way.

In 1984, Selecta Window Systems as they were known, moved to their present day home of Birmingham, occupying a small office building and warehouse. I say home, as the owners used to sleep and stay in the upper levels of the office block and work on the ground floor during the day!

Selecta grew throughout the 80’s with new system development and the addition of residential and patio door systems. The first major system breakthrough was the 4000 System which became the kickstart to Selecta’s success. It was an externally beaded system, but with a bit of fabrication knowledge could be turned in to an internally beaded system. The fabricator friendly system, with universal steel reinforcement, meant low stock holding for fabricators, a philosophy that Selecta have taken forward and continue to promote today – the need to ensure fabrication of their systems is as efficient and effective as possible, demonstrated by the current Advance 70.

Up until 1995, all of Selecta’s window and door systems had been extruded firstly in Germany and in the later years in the UK by other extrusion houses / companies. Following many expansions of the Birmingham site, with Selecta now occupying the majority of the warehouses at the top of Winster Grove and staff up to around 60-70, it was clear that Selecta had outgrown the facilities and there was a need to extrude their own systems. A plot of land sat behind the offices, which was purchased and work began on a purpose built state-of-the-art extrusion and distribution centre. By the end of 1995 Selecta moved in to the newly built premises, instantly increasing staff by approximately 20 as they began the process of extruding their own systems for the first time.

During the 90’s and early 00’s Selecta consolidated their position as a specialist in setting up new window and door fabricator businesses, as the industry grew and the demand for uPVC windows and doors blossomed. The industry was certainly booming but also developing. Selecta continued to develop their products and service with a vast emphasis on a personal and flexible service for fabricators – again part of the original ethos that has stayed with the business throughout the years.

The end of 2006 saw two years of research and development come to fruition with the launch of the original Advance 70 System. The all new 70mm system was ahead of its time with the thermal efficiency, robust and fabricator friendly system raising the bar considerably. Originally released as a chamfered system, an integrated sculptured suite was added to the Advance 70 System in 2013 which was quickly followed by the MASTERfold bi-folding door in 2014.

Over the years the Advance 70 System has been modified, improved and developed further, demonstrating the versatility, resourcefulness and ingenuity of the system.

Selecta Today

Today, Selecta Systems remain independently owned and by the same family whom started the business back in 1982. The original ethos and values remain, those that have served the business well over the years. Flexibility, customer care and support combined with a bespoke personal service continue to be key elements of the Selecta philosophy.

This uniqueness ensures that Selecta have a strong and distinctive place within the market when compared with the competition. Now employing over 120, the Selecta ‘family’ has grown steadily over the years and is now undergoing a recruitment drive with expansion within the Marketing, Customer and Sales Support teams.

The Advance 70 System has gone from strength-to-strength with the 2017 launch of the new flush sash section and the 80mm traditional frame. These new ingenious additions to the suite sit within the same principles applied all those years ago – providing a fabricator friendly system, making them more efficient with less stock holding, whilst offering greater product diversity. This includes the inspired design choice to enable the flush sash to be fabricated within the existing 70mm or the new 80mm frame.

Hot on the heels of the flush sash window comes the Advance 70 EASi-FOLD Door with hardware that has been specifically designed to fit the system to ensure smooth, consistent and flawless operation. This innovative and revolutionary alternative to the bi-fold door, demonstrates the versatility and superiority of the Advance 70 System, of which it is fast becoming known for.

It is on the back of the #bepartofthefamily campaign, the unique, flexible and personal service along with the excellent qualities of the Advance 70 System that has seen Selecta convert a record number of fabricators in the first four months of 2017. The business is developing and there is a new found confidence in Selecta and the Advance 70 system as larger fabricators make the change.

The new products, enthusiasm and energy of the Selecta ‘family’ will be there for all to see come 23^rd – 25^th May as they invite you all to visit their stand – C20. Join in the 35^th birthday celebrations on the Tuesday evening between 5-8pm with an 80’s & 90’s disco, beer and bubbly and of course a slice of cake!

Selecta in the Future

It is certainly looking promising for the Advance 70 System and Selecta as they enter their 35^th year. A new found enthusiasm, energy and desire amongst the invigorated long-term staff with the energised zest of the new employees is having a positive impact moving forward. It’s that passion and drive, backed up by a first class window and door system, that ensues what is looking like a very bright and encouraging future for Selecta.

After 35 years of existence it’s strange to refer to Selecta as the new kid on the block, as they’ve predominantly gone about their business quietly, but you cannot fail to see the galvanised spirit and desire of a business with long term ambitions and aspirations. 2017 and beyond see’s Selecta firmly installed as a forward thinking system house with a very proud history, whom is not afraid to forget their roots – that unique ethos and those core values that made them who they are today.

As for the future of Selecta, they will be the first to admit that they are not the largest extruder out there. With the versatility and superiority of the Advance 70 window and door system, supported by the experienced, knowledgeable family behind them, they do however, aspire to be the best… it’s time to #bepartofthefamily

Stoke-on-Trent based fabricator, UK Window Systems, has been acquired by external investors who have introduced a new management team to the business. The company has been trading since 2003 and was originally set-up by partners, Gary Beech and Richard Barlow.

Gary remains in the business as operations director and will oversee the production and manufacturing of the company’s products. Michael Armstrong has been newly appointed as managing director and will take care of the day-to-day running of the organisation. The pair have also been joined by Nick Holloway, previous sales director at Hallmark Panels Doors.

Michael commented on the acquisition: “The new management team took over the company in November 2016. UK Window Systems manufacturers two of the industry’s leading profile systems Rehau and the Residence collection, along with a range of composite doors and the Ultraframe conservatory roofing system. The business has been totally understated for many years, an undiscovered gem and has a vast amount of potential.

“Year-on-year – since it’s setup, the company has grown steadily with little marketing and sales effort, an incredible achievement considering the industry’s austerity over previous years. With a new management structure in place, we are now quite excited with the prospect of developing the business, extending our market offering further by introducing new products and by servicing trade customers nationally,” Michael added.

Nick Holloway commented: “I already had a close relationship with Michael from my previous role as sales director at Hallmark, so when he approached me to join the company it was too good of an opportunity to pass-by.

“The company has already undergone a complete transformation since I arrived in November 2016. It has been restructured to introduction new products, new resources to support the operational functions and seen a redesign of the manufacturing and trade-counter layout to offer more efficient supply for trade customers.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the company’s development and helping to take it to greater heights in the industry. With the current potential and open-mindedness of its investors, it is a great time for customers to get involved.”

www.ukwindowsltd.co.uk

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Pet-Tek, manufacturer of high quality pet doors is investing further resource into the UK glass and glazing industry following increased success with new product lines. Since 1999 Pet-Tek has put problem solving and product development at the heart of its business. In 2017 Pet-Tek will be developing new and innovative pet door products, specifically designed for glass door applications. Pet-Tek has a large variety of pet doors to suit a range of applications, door styles and sizes, whether it is to be installed on a door, a wall or glass. All pet sizes are catered for, from small to large. Pet-Tek cat and dog doors are extremely simple to install, they look attractive and provide added value on project installations for glass door installing businesses. Homeowners appreciate the products because of the sleek ‘minimal design’ that eliminates messy-looking doors and the functional and security benefits of the pet doors.

The Pet-Tek range of resilient polycarbonate construction cat doors and dog doors help eliminate problems commonly associated with pet doors, such as broken flaps and locking dials, rusting screws, too small a flap for the average cat, whilst maintaining focus of product appeal and reliability. All Pet-Tek products feature weather seals to eliminate draughts and quiet closing with a smooth quiet open/close action. The pet flaps also feature a four-way locking system (in, out, in/out, and locked) to control pet access. All Pet-Tek products have a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Unwanted pets are a common concern amongst pet owners, to alleviate the risk of animals intruding into homes, Pet-Tek developed the multi-magnetic pet door. The multi-magnetic doors have an opening system that helps to keep stray cats from entering the home. A small magnet is attached to the cat’s collar, which activates the multi-magnets that operate the opening latch to allow pet entry.

Once the pet has entered, the system will automatically close the latch, helping to prevent entry by stray cats. The multi-magnetic doors have a similar action to that of the electromagnetic doors. However, the Pet-Tek multi-magnetic cat door does not require batteries, meaning the pet will not be locked out due to battery failure. Purchasing a Pet-Tek pet door is as easy, contact us via email so we can put you on to the right people. We have suppliers and installers throughout the UK who can provide a quote for the cat door or dog door and the installation, including your glass requirements.

E: info@superiorpetdoors.co.uk

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Crittall Holdings Group, parent company of Crittall Windows, has announced the launch of a new fabrications division that will create and supply an impressive range of specialist steel and stainless steel glazing systems, screens and doorsets for both external and internal use. This will provide architects and designers with bespoke, factory-finished solutions to meet the most exacting client requirements.

Crittall Fabrications will typically be dealing with customers in the UK and abroad on a supply-only basis, direct to trade, but a full design and installation service can be provided via Crittall Windows, or one of the company’s registered partners. From its Witham, Essex, factory the company supplies its extensive customer base with specialist steel products such as steel entrance doors, steel glazed screens, internal steel partitions, steel screen dividers and doors and associated pressed metal for a wide range of commercial and residential applications.

Crittall bespoke glazed steel windows and doors are extensively specified in both the UK and the US, as well as mainland Europe, for corporate refurbishments, the education sector, residential developments and retail fit-outs. Excellent examples of the type of project which the new fabrications division will handle are the Ham Yard Hotel in London’s Soho and Addison Crescent high-end residential development, also in the capital. All Crittall steel fenestration and doorsets are known for their combination of slim profile elegance and strength. To this is added the factory-applied powder coating that provides an extremely hard-wearing, highly durable, maintenance-free finish.

www.crittall-fabrications.co.uk

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CRL will be showcasing its wide range of architectural glass fixings and shower door hardware at FIT Show 2017, with many new innovations on display designed to make life easier for installers and fabricators.

During FIT Show, CRL will be adding to its very successful range of TAPER-LOC® frameless glass balustrade systems, with the new TAPER-LOC® ‘Adjustable’ System. Advantages of the new system include adjustable taper sets, which allow installers to adjust the angle of the glass forward/backwards, so they can be aligned with adjacent panels of glass, especially useful when cap and hand rails are not being used.

Available in a wide choice finishing including satin adonised and brushed nickel, the system makes it easy to replace broken and scratched panels. The quickest and safest way to install glass balustrades (with no scaffold required), the new system also enables installation to be completed from the safe side of the balustrade from start to finish.

Installers can also learn more about that CRL COMPACT-X, a compact sliding solution for frameless glass panels. Quick and easy to install, the system combines latest softbrake technology with minimalist design concealed within an upper track and can be used to create a seamless design on domestic and commercial applications.

Throughout the show, the CRL team will also be giving live demonstrations of the company’s Glass Detectors, the simple way to distinguish low emissivity coated glass from ordinary float glass. Fast and simple to use the Glass Detectors are an essential piece of kit for installers to ensure that the coated piece of glass is fitted on the inside of the unit, on the inner piece of glass.

Installers working on bathroom projects can also learn more about the large range of products for creating bespoke shower areas. From minimalistic hardware such as hinges, clamps, handles, door knobs and u-channels, to complete sliding shower door kits, available in a wide range of finishes including matt black, CRL has a full package of hardware and accessories for any space.

See CRL on Stand K60 at FIT Show 2017.

Tel: 00 800 0421 6144 Email: crl@crlaurence.co.uk Website: www.crlaurence.co.uk

Demand for Bowater by Birtley, the culmination of Bowater and Birtley Group doors, is already gathering pace after its recent market launch. The company is now pleased to announce a new website, detailing the full range, is now online at www.bowaterbybirtley.co.uk 

Zoe Watson, Marketing Manager of Birtley Group explains: “We’ve had a lot of work to do to bring the two brands as well as the two ranges of doors together, but the full suite is now available to view on our newly launched website. Our three collections make up a range of doors from commodity to high end – all of which are demonstrated on the site, along with more information about the over and above service we offer.

“Hopefully the site captures the essence of Bowater by Birtley which is quality and choice with the best of both Bowater and Birtley Group. Bowater has been a long standing and well respected name in the window and door industry with a lot of loyal customers, while Birtley Group has the resources to produce technologically advanced doorsets. The culmination of the brands in the new range is truly a force to be reckoned with.

“Bowater by Birtley will be flying the flag for quality composite doors at the bigger and better FIT Show (stand F20) at the NEC in May for anyone that wants to see the doors first hand, but in the meantime www.bowaterbybirtley.co.uk is the place to go if you can’t wait to find out more!”

Brian Berry

Small construction firms enjoyed rising workloads in the first quarter of 2017, despite growing concerns over the cost of labour and materials, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Key results from the FMB’s State of Trade Survey for Q1 2017, which is the largest quarterly assessment of the UK-wide SME construction sector, include:

• UK construction SME workloads increased more significantly than at any time since Q2 2016, ie the quarter immediately prior to last June’s EU referendum
• One in two construction SMEs predict rising workloads in the coming months, with just 5% predicting a decrease in activity
• 85% of builders believe that material prices will rise in the next three months
• 58% of firms are struggling to hire carpenters, a post financial crisis high.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “The first three months of 2017 proved to be very positive for construction SMEs, which reported strong growth, underpinned by continuing resilience in the home improvement sector. Workloads rose in every part of the UK, with particularly positive results in the devolved nations. Given the concerns that wider consumer confidence might be weakening, it’s encouraging that smaller construction firms aren’t sensing any drop-off in demand for their services. Indeed, despite Article 50 being triggered and the growing likelihood of a hard Brexit, these latest results demonstrate that builders are increasingly confident about the immediate future, with one in two forecasting higher workloads during the next quarter.”

Berry continued: “The survey covers the period before the announcement of a snap general election, which may well cool consumer demand in the coming months. The results are also tempered by a clear rise in output costs for construction companies. Material prices and wages rose markedly in the first three months of this year, with larger numbers of construction SMEs believing that all three will rise further during the next quarter. Indeed, although only 20% of construction products and materials used in the UK are imported, the depreciation of sterling since the referendum last June has seen material prices shoot up – with 85% of builders predicting further rises – this pressure on margins looks set to continue. Such cost inflation presents clear challenges to the profitability of smaller building firms and in many cases, builders will be forced to pass these price increases onto their customers.”

Berry concluded: “The combined effects of rising material costs and the ever-worsening construction skills crisis will therefore be reason enough for SME construction firms to be cautious in their optimism. If growth in real household income remains flat, and if consumer confidence is shaken by the impending snap general election and the triggering of Article 50, there are plenty of potential pitfalls for builders to navigate. Nevertheless, as of yet, the much anticipated ‘Brexit effect’ has yet to hit what is considered to be the bellwether sector of consumer confidence and wider economic health.”

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