FeneVision ERP by FeneTech Inc.

Solidor customers are growing fast. The timber-core composite door manufacturer sells quality doors with a service, support and marketing package that makes them an easy sell for installers.

The laminated-hardwood timber core in every Solidor passes all the tests required by Building Regulations. With a minimum U Value of 1.5, Solidor is CE Marked and also has PAS24:2016 certification. Solidor is thermally efficient, strong, and secure.

Solidor CEO Gareth Mobley says: “We spent a long time choosing the timber we use in our core, and our unique laminated-hardwood is the perfect balance between energy efficiency and security.

“We do everything to help customers sell more doors,” says Gareth. “That starts with offering a premium quality product they and their customers can trust, a door that has all the necessary standards, and certifications from CE Marking, Door Energy Ratings, PAS24:2016, Approved Document Q and Secured By Design. No exceptions. People tend to assume that all doors are fully certified, but some don’t have a CE mark, which is a legal requirement. If they don’t it’s usually because the type of construction or wood they use can’t achieve 1.8 U Value. Solidor does!

“We invested in people, operations, processes and facilities so we can give customers consistently world-class service, the highest quality products delivered at a rate of 99.8% on time and in full. That’s truly world class. And we continue to invest in product development, dedicated account managers, and marketing support to help customers sell more doors.

“Our service is world-class and reliable so customers get their door exactly when they want it. We’re expanding our fleet of vehicles and drivers to ensure we maintain world-class reliability and we deliver our doors with care so customers get their doors in perfect condition.

“If our customers are growing, we’re growing,” Gareth continues, “so we do everything to help them keep growing. Last year’s 37% sales growth is a testament to our customers’ success and the whole Solidor team, in house and on the ground.”

To start selling more with Solidor, visit www.solidor.co.uk, call 0808 252 7920, or follow @SolidorLtd on Twitter.

Image Above: Paul Sullivan CEO of Anglo

Dave Toulson, managing director of DEM Window Solutions is the lucky winner of the Anglo F1 Grand Prix competition. He will be jetting off on an all expenses paid trip to Monaco later this year to experience the thrill of one of the greatest road races in the world. The competition was based on the percentage of the increase in order value for Anglo’s Reinforcement between October 1st 2016 and January 31st 2017. The top 20 performing companies went into a prize draw, and CEO of the Anglo Group, Paul Sullivan made the draw on the 14th February.

DEM Window Solutions increased their order value by 64% to make it into the top 20.

“I was surprised when I got the phone call to tell me that we had won, we were just very busy during that period”, comments Dave Toulson. DEM Window Solutions operate from their busy 21,000 square ft factory with a team of over 40 people. The company has the capacity to produce 800 quality frames per week and are well known for their ‘no-nonsense’ honest approach to business.

Chris Sullivan director of Anglo came up with the idea after he and his brother Paul Sullivan, CEO of Anglo, took part in the MADI Ball Rally in aid of the Antony Nolan Trust which finished in Monaco.

Anglo European offers a unique service and is one of the few steel reinforcement suppliers who operate a cut to size service with a minimal lead time. The company also claims to offer a reinforcement solution for every major window system.

For further information contact Anglo European on 0161 231 2354 or log onto www.angloeuropean.net

To find further information on DEM Window Solutions log onto: www.demwindowsolutions.co.uk

In an area where specifiers demand sensitivity to the original appearance of many properties, 12 Profile 22 windows were supplied by P22 customer, FrameXpress for a picturesque Cotswolds cottage.

“The homeowner’s brief was for a perfect visual match in relation to the style of all windows at the property, primarily to complement the area, which is recognised for its rolling hills and picture-postcard cottages” explains Sales Manager Ian Davis. “Requesting cream windows and doors that would match the surrounding properties, the homeowners needed a solid guarantee that the products could replicate the original heritage look, or we would have lost out on the contract. After showing the homeowner samples of the Profile 22 windows and discussing technical requirements, we were thrilled to win the contract.

“One contributing factor to our winning the contract was the inclusion of a 50mm plant-on bar to the glass, which was also possible to colour match. The complete project compromised of 12 windows and 2 sets of French doors; all of which are A rated for excellent energy efficiency. Special mounted bars, cream foiling and advanced security features completed the windows, and due to a tight deadline, the windows were manufactured and installed quickly.

Demand for these bespoke products is still high, and homeowners are looking at more than just price. Ian continues: “Design and performance sit hand in hand these days, and are equally as important to homeowners. Budget will always play an important role, but home improvements are usually viewed as an investment rather than just a repair, so the finer details such as colour and hardware are becoming increasingly important.

As one of the UK’s largest independent UPVC fabricators of windows, doors, conservatories and composite doors, FrameXpress offer a choice of 16 colour foils. To find out more visit www.framexpress.co.uk or call 01952 581100.

Soltherm EWI has become the latest distributor of Kestrel UPVC building products after months of market research by the South Wales company.

The Barry-based distributor has extended its range to include Kestrel’s roofline, window-line and rainwater products as part of its latest expansion plans.

Paul Williams, partnership development director for Soltherm EWI, explained that the company chose Kestrel after months of market research and product testing.

“Adding new product lines to our range requires thorough market research and technical assessment, to ensure our customers have access to the best materials available,” he said.

“As part of our product selection process we asked customers about their knowledge of a particular brand and product, and the feedback (about Kestrel) has been very positive.”

The company, which recently moved to larger premises in Barry, stocks Kestrel’s UPVC building products in addition to Soltherm EWI core business of external wall insulation systems.

Kestrel sales and marketing director Owen Thorogood said: “We are delighted that Soltherm EWI has become a Kestrel stockist.

“As such an innovative, customer-focused and market driven company, Soltherm EWI is well-positioned for its expansion into UPVC building products.”

Paul Williams of Soltherm EWI added that the company had plans for further expansion, based on its mantra of ‘innovation that works’, staying up to date with changes in regulations and listening to its customers.

“We firmly believe that with those values, our customer base will grow and we will grow and evolve with them,” he added.

“We feel Kestrel will be an integral part of those expansion plans and look forward to having a healthy trading partnership with them for years to come.”

Kestrel UPVC building products carry a range of guarantees from 10 years on grain products through to an extended 35-year non-diminishing guarantee on white profiles when fitted by a registered installer.

Kestrel also holds certification to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and BES 6001.

Image Above: Paul Sullivan MD Anglo European and director of Aluminium Shapes Ltd, Peter Toland Chairman of Anglo European and Aluminium Shapes Ltd, Joe Martoccia CEO, Aluminium Shapes Ltd  

Anglo European Group and Joe Martoccia have lead a consortium in forming Aluminium Developments Group Ltd and acquiring Corby-based aluminium extrusion and component manufacturing business, Aluminium Shapes Limited.

Employing over 60 people, Aluminium Shapes serves a wide range of industries and offers its customers a complete end-to-end service, from design and prototyping right through to component production.

Leading the acquisition, Joe Martoccia has been appointed Group CEO and will be based at Aluminium Shapes’ head office and production facility in Corby, Joe comments: “Investment from Anglo European Group, existing shareholders and the management team, together with funding from AIB (GB) delivers a well structured, robust platform for growth in what is an exciting and dynamic sector.  Collaboration with Anglo European in the fenestration and road transport markets will provide additional opportunities for growth, building on what is an already diverse customer base.

“This is an amazing business with a successful history and strong pedigree. From the moment I set foot in place, I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, support and expertise of the team. There is a genuine “can do” attitude which underpins the company’s superb customer service and quality ethos.  Aluminium Shapes is a solid company, with the additional investment and combined expertise of the management team we can significantly accelerate the growth of the business.”

The latest hike to Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) will undermine good builders who play by the rules, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned ahead of the Spring Budget.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The doubling of IPT over the past two years has troubling implications for construction SMEs and homeowners alike. This stealth tax, which is set to rise for the third time in 18 months, effectively provides an additional competitive advantage to unscrupulous and uninsured builders. By driving up the costs of insurance it punishes those businesses that play by the rules and make sure that they are always covered. This is increasing the danger that homeowners could be tempted to opt for uninsured builders who are able to offer a more competitive quote. The stealth tax may also discourage clients taking out a warranty on building work, which is never advisable practice on a significant building project and could lead to plenty of heartache for consumers further down the line. It’s vital that we get a commitment from Government that this third rise of IPT will be the last for this parliament.”

James Dalton, Director of General Insurance Policy at the Association of British Insurers, said:“ Insurance Premium Tax is a tax on businesses, especially SMEs that often operate on very tight margins, that do the right thing by purchasing insurance to help manage their risks. At a time of continued economic uncertainty, with many firms facing increasing costs, the last thing they need is a further hike in IPT. Unlike VAT, no element of IPT can be reclaimed by businesses meaning they will have to absorb these extra costs – this could cost jobs, drive up prices or companies may decide to reduce their insurance cover, putting them at risk if something goes wrong. Enough is enough, give firms a break and freeze IPT.”

www.fmb.org.uk 

Launched at the end of 2015, Rooflights by Alumen have become a popular choice amongst installers thanks to their simplicity, ease of install and aftersales service provided.

Crystal Clear has been installing windows, doors and high end conservatories in the Bristol area for nearly two decades and have recently added Alumen’s own brand of aluminium rooflights to their product portfolio. James Mizen, MD of Crystal Clear explains why: “Our reputation is extremely important to us. We install everything ourselves so as well as selecting good quality products, it is key that we are able to rely on our fabricators to provide us with a reliable service and clear communication, in order for us to meet our customers’ expectations every time.

“Initially we chose Alumen to supply us with a bespoke rooflight for a unique project we were undertaking in Trowbridge. The price was good and the lead times they promised were fast for bespoke aluminium. They delivered on time and even helped us with the installation on-site as the rooflight was so large that the glass had to be split with a transom. Once installed the product looked very contemporary and the customer was delighted with the result.

“We have now taken delivery of, and installed a number of aluminium rooflights including walkovers. We particularly like the simplicity of the product and have found them easy to install. The service from Alumen has also been good. Their communication is clear and delivery well controlled, and the personal touch from Alan, Alumen’s MD, means I feel my business is valued and in safe hands. We would definitely recommend the rooflights as an all-round nice product, and Alumen as a reliable manufacturer.”

As well as rooflights, Alumen also provide a wide range of aluminium door and window products to the trade. For more information, contact Alan Robinson on 01536 737377.

www.alumen.co.uk

Image Above:  Roger Hartshorn welcomes Martin Thurley to Liniar.

Roger Hartshorn, CEO of PVCu systems house Liniar, has announced the appointment of Martin Thurley to the newly created role of Managing Director.

Roger welcomed Martin on his first day at HL Plastics, the innovative company behind the Liniar brand, explaining:

“Due to Liniar’s significant growth over the last six years, I felt it was time to strengthen the senior management structure to enable me to focus exclusively on the strategic direction of the company.

“The decision-making process at HL Plastics has always been swift, thanks to our flat structure – and as we grow I’m keen to maintain that so Liniar customers receive the same excellent levels of service they’ve come to expect.

The new Liniar warehouse and showroom is progressing well and due to open in June 2017.

“Martin’s appointment as Managing Director will ensure we continue to fulfil and exceed expectations, as well as bringing another level of experience to the senior team.”

Martin, who is moving to Liniar from Door-Stop, is MBA qualified and has extensive Operational and Commercial experience in both construction and manufacturing environments, bringing a wealth of expertise across a number of disciplines including Customer Service, Lean Manufacturing, ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and Health & Safety Management.

Martin comments:

“I’m excited to be joining the Liniar team at an important time in the company’s development; Roger has built a great business with a fantastic reputation.  This year will see us take things to the next level with our new 178,000 sq ft warehouse and showrooms, both due to open in June.

“I’m keen to work alongside Roger to take over the day to day management at HL Plastics – as well as working with the existing senior team to support the company’s ambitious growth plans over the coming years – our customers and employees will remain central to our strategic direction and all  business decisions.”

For more information about Liniar, visit www.liniar.co.uk.