Velux rewards initiative

Velux is offering its customers across the UK and Ireland rewards each time they buy Velux white polyurethane roof windows this March and April.

For every white polyurethane roof window bought during the period, installers can claim £35 of rewards, redeemable at retailers including M&S, Argos, Pizza Express, Thomas Cook, Ticketmaster and Currys PC World.

Installers have until 12 May to claim their rewards from Velux, but can only do so by registering to the scheme online at www.velux.co.uk/rewards.

Originally developed for bathrooms, the Velux white polyurethane roof window has evolved into a vast range of products ideal for contemporary white interiors and ceilings. They comprise a solid core of thermally modified timber encased in moulded polyurethane with a bright white finish.

Typically, installers and customers choose this finish for more humid rooms like kitchens and bathrooms as the windows have no visible joints, ensuring a clean and moisture resistant finish.

Richard McArthur, marketing manager from Velux said: “The Velux Rewards scheme is a great way for installers to get something back each time they choose our products. During March and April we will be offering fantastic rewards for every roof window bought with a white polyurethane finish, which is ideal for humid rooms like bathrooms and kitchens.

“We know that our customers enjoy rewards that allow them to give themselves and their friends and families a treat, so partnering with some of the country’s best loved retailers and restaurants is a great way to say ‘thank you’ for their continued use of our products and service. Whether you are a frequent installer of Velux products or use them just a few times a year, it really makes sense to join Velux Rewards and start earning points with every purchase.”

www.velux.com

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In 2016 the market for domestic replacement windows and doors was estimated to have grown by 3% in value terms, according to the latest report from AMA Research.

Following good growth in 2014, the market has reverted to lower growth rates in 2015-16, reflecting the mature state of the market and the high rates of household penetration of double glazing. Future growth in this market remains dependent on a positive housing market, but our forecasts for 2017 and beyond remain muted, with the uncertain economic situation a central factor.

In material terms, PVC-U is dominant in the replacement windows market, with the direct sell route particularly strong. However, PVC-U continues to face challenges in the entrance doors and patio doors sectors where composites and aluminium, particularly for bi-fold doors, continue to take share.

Volume sales of replacement windows have been in steady underlying decline for a number of years with key drivers now focussed on ‘re-replacements’. In terms of market trends, security, acoustic and thermal insulation properties as well as sustainability remain core themes in this market. In addition, in recent years companies have increasingly offered quality products with a wider choice of options –for example, there is now a very wide range of frame colours available right across the market, something that was rare even a decade ago.

In the entrance door sector, the share of composites has grown and in 2016 is estimated to account for nearly one third of the market. This has been mainly at the expense of PVC-U with timber still retaining largest share in terms of materials mix.

Growth for replacement entrance doors has been higher than for replacement windows with key drivers including security issues, wear and tear from climate/regular use as well as the fact that replacing the front or back door represents a significantly smaller investment than would be needed for replacement windows.

The patio doors sector has been boosted by the recent trend for bi-folds as replacements for existing patio doors. In addition, patio doors (including bi-folds) have also benefited from the home extension sector and the trend for increased day-lighting.

Due to its maturity, the domestic replacement doors and windows market is characterised by a highly fragmented supply structure and fierce competition. This is particularly true of the PVC-U fabricator/installer sector where margins are low.

In broad terms, aluminium fabrication/installation companies appear to be doing well, though this is only in part due to the replacement market, as aluminium is used to a significant extent in commercial and new build flats, for example. However, aluminium fabrication/installation business offer higher margins than PVC-U. Major restructuring has been seen in the replacement window and door sector in the last few years, with further rationalisation anticipated at all levels of the supply chain.

Jane Tarver of AMA Research, said: “The likely direction of future development of the UK domestic replacement doors and windows market remains unclear in the short-medium term, largely influenced by the uncertainty surrounding the UK economy, the housing market and the potential effects of Brexit.

“However, our forecasts anticipate modest growth of around 2% per annum, which is likely to be driven by a basic underlying demand for second and third time replacements.”

A return to the volumes seen in the 1990s remains unlikely due to the high penetration level of double glazing and improved replacement products with longer life cycles.

However, new legislation may encourage replacement of windows and doors to some extent, as increasingly stringent regulations for thermal efficiency and security continue to be introduced. Another key driver for 2nd and 3rd time replacement is likely to be aesthetics as householders opt for different colour and glazing options for windows and entrance doors in order to maintain an up to date look. In addition, emerging niche sectors are also likely to continue to offer opportunities – _bi-fold doors have been a recent example as homeowners look to open-up access to their garden areas with large, flexible glazed areas.

The ‘Domestic Replacement Door and Window Market Report – UK 2016-2020 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets.

The report is available now and can be ordered online at http://www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

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Leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan has built a reputation for being a business committed to building long term partnerships and being at the forefront of product development. The strength of this partnership approach was once again demonstrated in their annual ‘open house’ event held at the company’s headquarters near Newport, Gwent.

The ‘open house’ event was spread over five days in February and customers had an opportunity to see for themselves the latest new products and support the Modplan team can offer. Heidi Sachs, Modplan’s Managing Director, said, “This year’s ‘open house’ event has been a tremendous success. The informal ‘open days’ showcased a selection of our latest new products including the new FlushSash, the new mechanically jointed VS and the new VEKA M70 window system. The attendance was superb with over 60 customers taking time out to visit and demonstrates just how much the partnership approach we offer is appreciated.”

The new FlushSash, mechanically jointed VS and VEKA M70 windows are the latest additions to Modplan’s comprehensive product portfolio. And with a brand new product being launched exclusively at FIT 2017 its customers will soon have even more to offer. But as visitors at the recent open day discovered, the products are only one part of a complete package designed to help installers to grow their businesses.

Modplan manufactures and provides a comprehensive range of products that includes Matrix 58, Veka Matrix 70 and 70FS, Veka Vertical sliders, a dedicated painting facility, PVC-u patio and bifold doors, conservatories, the Vertex Open Canopy, the Vertex roof

system for polycarbonate, glass or tile effect, Wendland roofing system and the newly added Ultrasky, Livin room and LEKA Warm Roof. For more information on any of the Modplan’s products and support, simply Ask the Man from Modplan.

www.modplan.co.uk

Picture above: Reynaers Aluminium

When outstanding Oxfordshire double-glazing specialists Andy Glass wanted to expand into aluminium, they were afraid it could be a headache. Over twenty-five years of hard work and commitment to quality, they’d established themselves as the region’s leading provider of uPVC windows, doors and conservatories – but aluminium was a new challenge, and one they feared would prove stressful, expensive and time-consuming to master.

Fortunately for them, they contacted the Window Outlet – the dynamic aluminium fabricator that’s grown from Bristol start-up to one of the industry’s biggest and most respected suppliers off the back of its signature short lead times, quick quote turnarounds.

The firm has extensive experience helping installers expand into aluminium – and an in-depth understanding of the common issues uPVC companies face as they make the change, as Managing Director Ben Warren explains:

“For the first ten years of my career, I worked in uPVC fabrication and would spend hours talking to uPVC installers every week. I know how daunting switching materials or expanding your range to include another one can be – and that’s why we offer comprehensive support to customers in that position, including a training day that covers both the products we provide, and how to properly order them.

A pen and paper sketch might feel like the quickest and easiest way of submitting an order, but in the long run that’s often not the case. They can be vague and unclear, and, in the worst cases, require a lot of back and forth between us and the customer to get it right – and the longer that process takes, the longer it is before the customer gets the product. By taking the time to sit down with our clients and show them the most efficient way to order at the very start, we make everyone’s lives easier.”

The firm also familiarises customers with its online bifold builder – an intuitive application that allows users to quickly and easily enter their size and hardware requirements, then send them through to the Window Outlet for a quote.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Andy Glass,” Ben continued. “They’re an incredibly experienced, respected installer, and it’s been a pleasure helping them establish themselves in the aluminium market. We’d encourage any other uPVC installers looking to enhance their offering with stylish, high-quality aluminium products to get in touch, and we’ll do our utmost to help them make the transition.”

For more information visit www.the-window-outlet.co.uk or call 0117 405 8488

Firing from all chambers, the brand new Secured by Design aluminium bi-fold door now available from Sternfenster is set to completely enhance door performance, durability and most notably, home security. By becoming a Sternfenster Approved Installer you’ll benefit from doors that simply offer more to your customers, guaranteeing satisfaction throughout. The Secured by Design aluminium bi-fold door has proved itself to be a rarity amongst the double glazing market, with few suppliers offering them as an option for their customers. This lack of availability sets them up to be an incredibly popular choice for Sternfenster Approved Installers, promising the potential for keen interest and financial return. Not only this, but these doors also allow Approved Installers the opportunity to expand their range with a unique product, resulting in access to more markets which allow them to appeal to wider demographics. This, in turn, will allow Network Members to gain a razor-sharp competitive edge on their competitors in the double glazing industry. Nothing says product quality like customer satisfaction, which is exactly what these new doors promise to achieve. Secured by Design, a police backed initiative, specialises in crime prevention and allows you to offer your customers the peace of mind that only high-performance, intelligently designed home security can bring.

Additionally, these sleek aluminium bi-fold doors feature an enhanced standard of security that has proved itself against a comprehensive, intensive testing process. This sought-after product also features an aluminium profile that has been tailored to the upmost security, seamlessly combining a multi-point locking system to ensure unrivalled standards. This rapid expansion of what Sternfenster has to offer has been the direct result of their continual improvement policy. 2017 is set to be a big year for Sternfenster and the Approved Installer Network, with Secured by Design aluminium bi-fold doors illustrating an impressive indication of what’s to come.

Mike Parczuk, Managing Director of Sternfenster, commented: “We are very proud to launch this new product, we think it will not only allow all of our Approved Installers to expand their market, we also see it is as a powerful, strong statement to begin the new year with. We’ve got our eyes set on big things over the next twelve months, making tomorrow better than today across the Network.” In keeping with this expansion, Sternfenster also plan on rebranding their aluminium ranges under ‘myALI Frame Solution’, which will include myALI bi-folds and myALI patio doors. This range will be accompanied by a new selection of consumer-based brochures for Network Members to use, becoming more user-friendly as they utilise more generic branding as opposed to the Sternfenster mark. Got your eyes set on the cutting edge, Secured by Design aluminium bi-fold doors? It’s never been easier to offer your customers the best in class. Become a Sternfenster Approved Installer today by giving us a call on 01522 512 525 or by visiting www.sternfenster.com for more information.

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Latest figures from the Home Office reveal that the number of fire-related fatalities in England during 2015/16 had grown by 15% to 303. The number of fire incidents attended by the Fire and rescue services also rose by 5% to a total of 162,000 incidents.

This growing number of fires has prompted Hurst Plastics to bolster its composite fire door offer and help customers to take advantage of increasing demand for composite fire doors in both commercial and retail markets.

Howard Wilson, Hurst Plastics’ Composite Manager, explains: “It is worrying that the number of fire incidents and deaths from fire has risen. Most fatalities from fire occur in the home or in social and affordable housing schemes, so it’s vital to ensure that appropriate passive fire protection systems are in place there to help to prevent the spread of fire. Fire doors are an important element.

“At Hurst, we’ve seen a marked rise in demand for composite fire doors and they now account for a large percentage of our business. We were however aware that some customers were nervous about composite fire doors because they were put off by complicated price guides, poor marketing and technical support, long lead times and unreliable deliveries. We developed a package to overcome all of these hurdles and to help customers to buy high quality composite fire doors with ease.

“Technical knowledge is at the heart of what we provide. We want to reduce the number and impact of fires in the UK and that starts with compliant products and an understanding of the legal requirements. The specifier has a legal responsibility to get their specification right and we are there to guide them through every stage of their composite door specification. Our aim is to steer customers through the red tape, including current European legislation and building regulations, to give them complete confidence in their specification.”

In addition to comprehensive technical support, Hurst has created a full marketing support package, which includes a re-vamped composite fire door brochure, individual retail price guides, personalised leaflets and tenants choice forms. Hurst also supplies pilot doors, samples and swatches for customers to demonstrate to tenants, specifiers, contractors and householders.

The new composite fire door brochure features a wide range of door styles and a number of frame, colour and glass options, including Pyrodur Plus glazing. The 44mm thick Hurst composite fire door leaf consists of a solid high performance core, which incorporates fire retardant phenolic foam and a high-density hardwood perimeter to provide a full half hour fire rating. The core is faced in a GRP colour finished skin, which is outwardly indistinguishable from Hurst’s standard composite doors. The skin is available in a four standard colours and any RAL Premium shade.

The new retail price guide makes pricing a composite fire door easier than ever before. A ‘one-stop’ price list, it features four simple price groups and prices for optional extras for colours, glass and ancillaries. The Hurst commercial team is also on hand to provide estimates and quotes and answer any technical queries.

Hurst Plastics’ range of composite fire doors includes FD30, FD30S, FDSBD and FD60 which have been audited and certified by Warrington Exova BM Trada to guarantee quality and performance. The fire doors have also been fire and smoke tested for up to 30 minutes by Warrington Exova to ensure they conform to BS476: Part 22: 1987

The doors offer the highest levels of security and satisfy the requirements of the Q-Mark enhanced security scheme. They also comply with PAS023/PAS024 security accreditation and the requirements of Secured by Design. Unlike some composite fire door suppliers, Hurst Plastics supplies every composite fire door with controlled door closers as standard to meet BS EN 1154.

www.hurst-plastics.co.uk