Lauren Doyle Continues Rapid Rise With Second Promotion

Glazing specialists Balls2 Marketing has promoted Lauren Doyle MCIPR to Account Manager after she successfully completed her CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations. The promotion is a mark of Lauren’s impressive progression since joining the specialist marketing agency.

Lauren joined the Balls2 Marketing team in 2014 as a PR Assistant. She has since enjoyed a rapid rise within the company thanks to her dedication to her work in and out of hours. Alongside her day-to-day role, Lauren has studied and completed her CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations at Birmingham City University. She became an Accredited CIPR member recently too after passing two years of her CPD.

“We are really happy with Lauren’s progression and pleased that she is now taking the next steps in her PR career,” says Andy Ball, Managing Director, Balls2 Marketing. “Whether someone joins the team at an entry-level role, or a more senior role, we encourage them to challenge themselves and help them to get to the next level in their development.

“Lauren has done exceptionally well and her ambition has been rewarded. She is very popular with both the team, and the clients she supports and we are already seeing her shine in her new role. She balanced her extra learning alongside her work superbly, her promotion is fully deserved.”

Lauren’s CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations was a 1 year course where she learnt from experienced PR practitioners. This included lectures delivered by Jason McKenzie, who has held the role of CIPR Midlands President and Philip Young, Head of Public Relations at Birmingham City University.

“The course has given me an even better understanding of the fundamentals of PR,” says Lauren. “It has helped me to develop my writing and learn new strategies to help get real business benefits from PR for clients. What I have learned is already having an impact on my new role as Account Manager. I’m already thoroughly enjoying the challenge of my new position.”

www.balls2marketing.co.uk

As a result of Brexit there is a growing interest in ‘made in the UK’ and it is currently being talked about more than for a very long time. The focus on our country being independent has brought the realisation that perhaps sourcing here may become important again. The likelihood is that the UK will leave the customs union as well as the free market making import delays and tariffs a reality for everyone here. This appears to be stated government policy even before the negotiations start.

With vehicle manufacturing being a major employer and foreign exchange earner for the UK plans are already being put in place to increase the home content of British built vehicles by increasing manufacturing on our island. This will become a critical way forward for the motor industry after Brexit or delays to supply of parts will kill this and many other industries. One of the hidden benefits of Brexit will be the creation of whole new parts supply industries.

Stuga has been pushing the parts supply factor for its machines ever since it started to manufacture and sell automated sawing and machining centers in late 1990’s but never has this been more important than it may be in future. Fabricators buying machines today need to consider what will happen in two years’ time when reality crystalises and the possible queues form at customs for lorries carrying overnight services from the continent. Stuga is aware of claims from UK dealers of foreign competitors to have all the parts in stock but do they really? Many parts come from the continent by overland ‘next day’ deliveries. Stuga resources all parts in the UK and only uses standard parts readily available from more than one supplier in this country. These parts are used in very many different industries and therefore the supply chains are well stocked, many and varied. As the manufacturer of the machines Stuga has to have parts in stock in order to build future orders. This supply of parts along with the well-known technical back-up is stated by many customers as one of their reasons for buying from Stuga. More than 170 Stuga sawing & machining center owners can verify this.

Will Brexit make it ‘cool’ to buy from British manufacturers? It is hard to answer this with any certainty but since the referendum there have been some encouraging signs that this may become more than just a passing fashion. If negotiations prove tough then perhaps the sentiment will grow which may mean more market share for British built goods. Wouldn’t that be a good thing for most of us perhaps?!

Machinery built entirely in this country under the Stuga brand has been around for more than thirty years with the well-known sawing & machining centers being strongly represented since 1999; the first ten being installed during 2000. Interestingly these first ten are still in full operation in the market place with all functions fully operational contrary to the scare stories circulated by competitors and their UK dealers back in those dark days of misinformation. Stuga machines have the backing of the factory here in Norfolk to develop new software and control systems that are backwards compatible, meaning that whatever happens to software and electronics from key suppliers a strategy will be devised to overcome it. This has happened recently with a major electronic supplier that unexpectedly went out of business and a replacement system was designed, built and tested with the minimum of delay.

Stuga machines are backed-up with a serious and well-resourced service centre that is manned with experienced technical staff. Most Stuga machines and all sawing & machining centers are supplied with sound enabled full colour cameras which are untilised through the internet to help quickly diagnose potential issues and guide customer or technician to quickly find the route cause, or send a technician with the correct spare part.

www.stuga.co.uk

The much-anticipated prospect of connectivity in power tools and measuring devices has become a solid reality with the arrival of several new Bosch Professional products on retailers’ shelves.

These tools are connected to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth – for sending, receiving and storage of information. A small Bosch connectivity module can be bought with the tool or purchased separately and simply slotted in later. Connected tools and their users communicate via the free downloadable Bosch Toolbox app, which accesses a growing range of time and effort-saving aids.

Six new connected power tools and measuring devices for the ‘Millennitool’ generation
Free Bosch Toolbox app to access time-saving and effort-saving aids
Future-proof design allowing easy upgrades to connectivity module and app

“With these connected products, we are ushering in a whole new era in the evolution of tool use,” says Steve Hillier, Marketing Director at Bosch Professional Power Tools. “In our communication materials we’ve had a bit of fun by illustrating that development as a progression from primitive ‘Neandertool’ origins through to today’s ‘Millennitool’ age with its connected tool technology.”

Planned key capabilities of the Bosch connectivity system include asset management and tool location, quick tool registration and personalised settings, fault alerts, condition and usage reports, and remote control. Importantly, the system has been designed to integrate new functionalities as they evolve.

Steve Hillier explains: “Bosch connectivity not only puts users a step ahead of their competitors today but future-proofs their businesses by equipping tools to benefit from continuing advances. The range of functions offered by the Toolbox app will go on expanding and, looking further ahead, the connectivity module will be easy to upgrade or replace if developments require it.”

Bosch is focusing this month on four new tools with connectivity: the GSB 18 V-60 & V-85 C Professional CombiDrills, GSR 18 V-85 C Professional Drill Driver and GWS 18 V-125 SC Professional Angle Grinder. Each features the latest powerful, highly efficient and long-lasting brushless EC motors, along with state-of-the-art protection and control systems. KickBack Control, Precision Clutch and LED afterglow are among the functions which can be adjusted, personalised and memorised via the Toolbox app.

As an added incentive, anyone buying one of these connected power tools complete with connectivity module before 30.06.17 can use the app to claim a versatile, stylish, ultra-modern Withings “Activité Steel” activity tracker, worth over £135.

New connected levelling devices, the GCL 2-50 C & CG Line Lasers, will hit the shops in April. Along with strong green laser light and a user-friendly design, they offer remote angle adjustment as one of their key connectivity advantages.

“These connected tools, and the comprehensive range that will follow them, offer a new way of working that’s faster, smarter, more efficient and future-proof,” Steve Hillier summarises. “Together with our Toolbox app, they will allow you to upgrade yourself as well as your equipment. Tool use is evolving, and we want to make sure you’re a Millennitool – not a Neandertool!”

For further information visit www.bosch-professional.com/upgrade. The Toolbox app can be downloaded free of charge via m.bosch-professional.com/applinks.html.

When The Window Company (Contracts) supplied and installed 50 windows in the new Hyundai offices at Tilbury Docks for main contractors JW Steele & Sons Ltd recently, it marked the 20th anniversary of the partnership between the two businesses.

In an industry where every single project is subject to a competitive tender, it says a great deal about the synergy between the two businesses that they are still working together regularly on both public and private sector contracts.

At Tilbury Docks, where JW Steele enhanced its reputation by restoring the iconic rooftop Cupola back in June 2014. The Window Company (Contracts) supplied 50 windows in the Rehau system for a building which was being refurbished and upgraded into offices for Hyundai. The windows were all coated to mid-grey RAL7012 on the outside to exactly match the exterior cladding.

This was in stark contrast to the very first job they carried out for JW Steele back in 1997 which was to fix a broken window handle in a house owned by a friend of the then Managing Director Harold Steele. Harold was so impressed with the fact that The Window Company (Contracts) fixed the handle for free, that he asked them to fit a window in his own house and the rest, as they say, is history.

David Geer, the current Managing Director, and Harold’s great nephew, says that the companies work well together because they share the same approach to customer service, quality and reliability.

He said: “The Window Company (Contracts) have never let us down in the past two decades. We trust them implicitly – whether that means sticking to their quote or giving us the best advice on how to meet a window and door specification from a client. We also trust their fitters to be polite and courteous on site and to work around staff, residents or service users on our projects in the healthcare, education and policing sector.”

David Thornton, Chairman of The Window Company (Contracts) said that both businesses share the same values as proud family businesses and have the same exacting standards when it comes to attention to detail and responsiveness. He added: “We are never complacent about our relationship with JW Steele. It matters just as much to us now as a £5m turnover business as it did in 1997 as a £100,000 business. That means even now we’ll respond just as quickly to a request from them to fix a broken handle as we do to an opportunity to quote on a £50,000 job.”

JW Steele and The Window Company (Contracts) are both based in Chelmsford and, while The Window Company (Contracts) has been around since 1996, JW Steele’s heritage goes all the way back to 1900. The company was established by David Geer’s great grandfather John W Steele as a small building company, and has grown to become one of the region’s leading contractors specialising in the refurbishment and repair of public sector and commercial buildings.

As well as the Tilbury Docks project, The Window Company has also completed recent window and door installations for JW Steele at Canvey Island Health Centre and at Ingrave Johnstone School in Brentwood.

Further details are available at www.thewinco.co.uk and at www.jwsteele.com

One of the UK’s leading trade fabricators has switched to Mila’s low carbon GRIP handle for all of its casement windows, after deciding that the product ticked every single box for its installers.

Consort is now fitting an impressive 3500 GRIP handles every month on the Veka FS frames it manufactures at its Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire factory.

Consort’s Head of Sales & Marketing Jeff Dunn said: “Switching to the GRIP handle was such an easy choice for us. It looks exactly the same as a conventional zinc handle, but it’s proven to be stronger with an even more durable finish. Because it is manufactured in ABS, it’s also warmer to the touch so doesn’t become a magnet for condensation and obviously, it will never rust.“From an installer’s point of view, it addresses the vulnerable areas on a window handle which could lead to expensive remedial visits. It’s cost effective yet has the potential to save our installer money in the long run with its strength and durability, and that seems like an ideal combination.”

Since Consort introduced the GRIP handle on its windows in April 2016, the feedback from customers across the UK and Ireland has been very positive. Jeff Dunn continued: “At first, it seems counterintuitive that a handle which is lighter than zinc can also be stronger, but Mila provided us with the sales and marketing tools we needed to explain the science behind the product, and our installers are really embracing the benefits it brings.”

He added: “Our focus is on quality and reliability so we’re understandably very choosey about all of the components we use to manufacture our windows. Anything new we add to our range is rigorously assessed beforehand and on the GRIP handle, we just can’t see any negatives. It even fits the green agenda, being 100% recyclable and with a 60% lower carbon footprint.”

Mila launched the patented GRIP handle at last year’s FIT Show. GRIP stands for Green Reliable Intelligent Polymer and one of the product’s key selling points is that it is the only window handle in the UK that has been certified by the Carbon Trust.

It is available in the standard trade version as supplied to Consort and in GRIP Colour and GRIP CleanTouch variants. GRIP Colour offers a choice of RAL colours on the handle, painted in the UK and assembled at Mila’s production facility in Daventry to ensure short lead times for customers. The innovative GRIP CleanTouch, meanwhile, incorporates an anti-microbial treatment in the handle which protects against the spread of bacteria in hospital and healthcare environments.

Further details are available at www.mila.co.uk and at www.consortwindows.com

Picture above: Sales Director Neil Evans

The VEKA UK Group has announced the transition of its entire range of PVC-U window and door products to PAS 24:2016, making it the first BSI Kitemark System Supplier of PVC –U to do so.

Accreditation Manager, Mark Barsby explained: “We’ve been in discussions with our forward-thinking customers, BSI and Secured by Design since last July to ensure VEKA and Halo products meet the updated enhanced security standard, PAS 24:2016.

“The standard was published over a year ago and includes a number of changes, particularly related to doors. The previous version – PAS 24:2012 – has now been withdrawn from the BSI website, and while Document Q will continue to reference it for some time, the latest Secured by Design Homes Guide already allows for compliance via the new standard.

“Many VEKA and Halo fabricators and installers use data cascaded from The VEKA UK Group for Document Q compliance. They will instantly be able to demonstrate to prospective customers how far ‘ahead of the game’ they are.

“It’s important to us that consumers and the whole supply chain know that their systems designer is doing everything to ensure that its windows and doors keep people and property safe from the latest methods of attack from opportunist intruders.”

The VEKA UK Group’s Sales Director, Neil Evans commented: “Being the first systems supplier to achieve PAS 24:2016 across its entire range represents a significant investment for The Group. It contains a number of exciting product enhancements, as well as new products that we will be announcing shortly.

“Interested fabricators and installers – both current and prospective – can find out more by visiting www.vekauk.com, calling 01282 716611, or joining us at The FiT Show, stand F10, Birmingham NEC, May 23rd – 25th.”

Lorraine Balch, Certification Manager, Fenestration at BSI said: “We’re delighted that VEKA has achieved certification to the revised standard PAS 24:2016 across the full range of PVC-U window and door products. Maintaining products against the latest version of the standard takes planning, time and dedication and means that VEKA is already benefitting from adopting PAS 24:2016 formally as a foundation for security, and using it as a competitive advantage to give the end-user confidence.”

Picture above: Michael Connor, Managing Director (L) and Alex Cotos, Quality Manager (R).

Quickslide is now offering a superior finish as well as faster turnaround on curved and arched frames, with a EUR60,000 investment in a new state-of-the-art in-house bending facility.

The fabricator’s choice of the unique TIM-ING bending centre means the action is not only faster – as little as ten minutes per curve – but also a cooler working temperature makes it far more energy efficient, and its sophisticated automation and use of multiple 3D cameras gives near perfect, consistent results with practically zero waste.

Operations Director Ben Weber says the move is in keeping with Quickslide’s philosophy to take complete control of as many manufacturing processes as possible.

“We already have our own in-house foiling and painting facilities as well as PVC-U and aluminium fabrication,” he said. “This is a big step forward for us as VS’s are notoriously difficult to work with when it comes to bending profiles, so now to be able to offer consistent and reliable quality in a fraction of the manufacture time gives us another USP within our market place.

“As well as a single point of answerability for quality control and no buying-in costs, the TIM-ING is also a highly advanced system, using much less heat on the profile, so there is no surface damage to colours or woodgrains and an all-round better and more consistent product quality.”

Sales & Marketing Director Tom Swallow added: “Quick turnaround and consistent quality on arched products is what the industry has been in dire need of since I can remember. It is a fantastic opportunity for Quickslide to now be able to offer this service to our trade partners and give them the edge against their competition.”

Quickslide is best-known for its acclaimed Vertical Sliders, and the company has been instrumental in bringing this former niche product into the mainstream of the retrofit and new-build markets, but it also manufactures a wide range of other styles of windows and doors in PVC-U and aluminium for trade and commercial customers.

www.quickslide.co.uk