Phishing, Whaling And Baiting – How To Avoid Getting Caught

Image Above: Business Micros’ managing director Graeme Bailey

Recognising the very real threat which cybercrime now presents to the window and door sector, Business Micros has produced a cybersecurity bulletin to help businesses protect themselves.

The IT specialist makes the point that it’s no longer a question of ‘if’ businesses will become targets of cybercrime but rather ‘when’, so is trying to increase awareness of the latest threats and explain to businesses what they can do to combat them.

Covering everything from Ransomware and Spear Phishing to Spoofing, Whaling and Baiting, the new bulletin explains the dangers to look out for. Just as importantly, it gives straightforward advice on the practical security steps which everyone within a business can take to avoid being caught out.

Business Micros’ Managing Director Graeme Bailey said: “The figures on cybercrime are truly frightening. In the bulletin we quote a survey from a security company called Malwarebytes which shows that 54% of companies questioned had been hit by ransomware, and 58% of those had paid a ransom fee to get their data back. 28% had lost business critical data and 63% had experienced severe business downtime.

“Everyone is at risk, regardless of the size of the business, so we’ve produced this really useful bulletin for our customers to do our bit to try to help.”

The Business Micros cybersecurity bulletin will be distributed direct to Business Micros customers shortly and copies will be available on the company’s stand at the FIT Show (G30). It is also available now in the support section of the website at www.businessmicros.co.uk

Picture above: Andrew Scott, Purplex Managing Director & John Penrose, MP

More than 100 VIPs – including members of parliament, local officials, leading business people and clients, recently attended the official opening of the new Purplex HQ.

Located in Weston-Super-Mare, the new offices offer superb transport routes for both staff and clients with a mainline train station nearby and in close proximity to the M5 motorway. The new HQ joins the existing offices near Bristol and Central London, and was acquired by parent company The Ascot Group last year, as part of a £1M investment strategy.

Guests at the opening were served drinks and canapes on arrival before having a tour of the 5,000sq ft offices, which houses a film making and photography studio, training and conference facilities as well as a technology hub for computer programmers, web designers and social media marketing specialists.

Andrew Scott, Managing Director of Purplex made a formal speech discussing the history of the company and its plans moving forward, growing from 60 to 100 staff by the end of the year. This was then followed by a few words from John Penrose MP and the cutting of the ribbon.

Commenting on the event, Andrew said: “Our official launch provided us with a great opportunity to show business people and influential figures our exciting new offices and the plans we have for our business. Securing our new HQ is just the beginning, we have a sizeable investment strategy in place to develop this space and to employ even more talented people to make Purplex truly world-class.”

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

Picture above; DWL Windows, Doors & Conservatories

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 or visit www.insightdata.co.uk

National Plastics has just expanded its product portfolio to include aluminium bifold doors. Geoff Foster, National Plastics’ Managing Director, said: “Aluminium solutions are increasingly popular in the residential sector so it makes good sense to supply a selection of high quality, good value products to satisfy this demand.”

National Plastics has a policy of offering an extensive product range at the right price points, something that’s perfectly demonstrated by adding aluminium bifold doors to the portfolio. They have been designed with performance, looks and efficiency in mind, with each frame incorporating a thermal break that effectively insulates its doors against heat loss, raising a home’s internal temperature and helping to reduce the risk of condensation.

National Plastics’ product range is backed up with significant expertise and staff will be receiving full training in the aluminium bifold doors in the coming weeks to ensure they can offer value-added advice to customers. The range of aluminium bifold doors will be part of a portfolio that also includes bathroom panels, guttering products, fascias and soffits, cladding, drainage products, roofing products, PVC-U windows, doors and conservatories, garden products, accessories and wall panels.

The combination of products, people and price has helped National Plastics to become a successful trade counter network. By extending its range to include products from one of the industry’s growth sectors, the company is demonstrating its understanding of its market and its customers.

Tel: 0800 011 3503

E: info@nationalplastics.co.uk

The post National Plastics stores to supply aluminium bifold doors appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

DW3 Products Group has appointed Martin Dickie as Managing Director of Residence Collection and Window Widgets, the DW3 Window Division.

Martin has over 20 years’ experience in PVC windows and doors. Having started as Product Manager with timber door maker Leaderflush & Shapland, he developed large scale, multi-product social housing, PFI and Partnering projects at Heywood Williams Group. As a consultant, over three years, he assisted a successful management buy-in and growth at Dorwin, and for two years he helped Nationwide Windows prepare for a successful buyout.

Putting his deep knowledge of composite doors and the market to good use, he was in at the inception of Door Stop, working closely on various projects until its sale to Masonite Group three years ago. As Business Unit Director Door Stop he successfully ran and integrated the company into Masonite UK, taking sales from £26m to £38m in two years before becoming Business Development Director Masonite UK. Most recently, as General Manager of National Hickman, another Masonite UK company, he transformed supply and systems.

Reporting to CEO Gareth Mobley, Martin will drive Residence Collection through its next stage of development. Martin joins Residence at a time of explosive growth following the launch of three new window and door systems in 2016.

Residence Collection CEO Gareth Mobley says: “Residence Collection is a spectacular success. Demand for R9 and R7 in particular is growing extremely fast, and the DW3 team is working hard to transform systems, stock management, operations and logistics at Residence HQ in Gloucester to meet the demand. We have been developing our relationship with Martin over 18 months and we are delighted he is joining us in this key role.”

Martin Dickie says: “Residence Collection and Window Widgets have great potential. Installers are really excited the Residence Collection systems and their ability to expand their markets and create new ones. If you know the window systems market, you’ll know there is nothing like it. I’m passionate about providing exceptional customer service, and giving customers the innovative products and means to grow fast. So for me this is the perfect challenge!”

“Working with General Manager Sarah Hitchings, and me and the rest of the DW3 team,” Gareth continues, “Martin’s extensive experience of the window and door industry will enable us to achieve great things.”

The post Martin Dickie, MD of Residence Collection & Window Widgets appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Mila is launching a fire rated version of its SupaStyle stainless steel letterbox making it an ideal choice for customers fabricating and installing fire doors.

The new letterbox has a high performance intumescent liner around the sleeve which reacts to heat and expands to seal the opening in the event of a fire. It has been successfully fire tested at Exova Warringtonfire Ltd to FD30 rating when fitted in the door core and to FD60 rating when fitted in the timber top rail. The test was carried out to the methodology given in BS476 part 22 (1987).

From the outside, it looks exactly the same as a standard SupaStyle letterbox and has all the smart design features which customers already love, such as a patented concealed flap operating mechanism, an anti-leak weather channel in the frame, and full 180° internal and external opening.

There are two size options in the fire rated version, with telescopic sleeves allowing it to be adjusted from 20/40mm or 40/80mm to fit into any thickness of fire door.

Both these sizes are available in three finishes – polished stainless, polished PVD gold stainless and brushed stainless. These suite perfectly with the rest of Mila’s Supa stainless steel door furniture ranges, and come complete with the same reassuring 25 and 10 year no quibble guarantees on finishes and mechanical performance.

With some manufacturers of fire doors reporting sales up by as much as 25% in 2016, Mila says it is responding to real demand in the market from customers who want a proven and durable stainless steel letterbox solution which they can fit and forget.

Further details are available at www.mila.co.uk

One of the UK’s leading rooflight manufacturers with a strong reputation across the glazing world for quality and innovation, has appointed Purplex as their PR agency.

Leicester-based Roof Maker manufactures an extensive range of roof windows including flat, pitched, opening and lantern rooflights, and is a well-recognised brand in the retail sector.

Roof Maker’s impressive reputation led to their acquisition by Next Wave Partners LLP in the latter stages of 2016. The new owners are looking to take the company to the next level, stepping up activity in every area – including their marketing by appointing Purplex to work alongside their digital and marketing team to develop and implement a multi-channel strategy.

Paul Mildenstein, CEO of Roof Maker commented: “We have grown a strong presence in the retail sector with our stunning rooflights, selling to customers across the UK and internationally. However, we are now looking to grow in the trade and commercial sector, building relationships with architects, specifiers and installers. We appointed Purplex because of their experience in this area, helping businesses within the fenestration industry expand and become a recognised name in the trade and commercial space.”

“We are delighted to be working with Roof Maker,” commented Sam Cross, Account Director at Purplex. “They are the leading rooflight specialists in the fenestration industry with a strong global identity. Purplex will help to develop Roof Maker’s brand in the trade and commercial sectors, establishing connections with professionals within the industry, highlighting the commitment to quality and innovation which has given them such a strong position in the retail market.”

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

Oriam, Scotland’s new landmark £33 million national performance centre for sport has it aims set high as it hopes to inspire and develop athletes from ‘grassroots to greatness’.

A number of organisations will use Oriam including the Scottish Football Association, Scottish Rugby, Basketball Scotland, Scottish Handball, Netball Scotland and Scottish Squash and Racquetball.

This project demanded creativity in conception, excellence in construction and exemplary building performance to create this state-of-the-art centre for Scotland’s elite athletes.

Reiach and Hall Architects used Metal Technology System 17 Curtain Walling to complement the lightweight, translucent feel of this structure. The system allowed light to flood into the building externally but was also used extensively internally as glazing partitions to create an open airy feel. These large expanses of internal glazing at ground floor had to be uniquely designed to withstand heavy impact as they were located so close to the playing surfaces.

System 17 was the ideal choice for the Oriam building as it offered the designer the required ascetics together with high performance thermal efficiency and weathering. In line with energy efficiency requirements, the project also featured System 5-20Hi+ Doors, and 4-35Hi+ casement windows, both of which are part of the high performance [THERMAL] suite of systems from Metal Technology.

For more information visit www.metaltechnology.com

I read with interest the latest findings from Palmer and his forecasts for the continued growth of composite doors through to 2020 when he says they’ll represent two thirds of the market. It’s obviously great news for the industry – remember just a few years ago at the height of recession when our sector was staring down the barrel of a gun?

Growth markets present their own challenges and suppliers have the responsibility to ensure that they’ve invested strategically and in advance of market demand to ensure that downstream customers get the service, products, quality and innovation they need to meet the growth. This is precisely what DOORCO has been doing over the last 3 years, achieving a total investment close on to £5million in the UK and Korea. Indeed, the original decision to establish our own production facility in Korea  – which has capacity for  >900 doors per day – is now bearing fruit thanks to the fact it’s completely independent. The brand has no controlling suppliers/investors dictating UK policy, meaning that all elements of the business are decided by DOORCO only.

Thanks to this tight supply chain integration, DOORCO’s focus on prepped door business for the next 12 months is to raise bar on our customer service and delivery on robust operational targets, whilst staying at the forefront of product quality and new innovation. Our recent investment made into a second new paint line and other machinery removes any bottle necks experienced in 2016, and allows us to provide a better level of service whilst welcoming new customers to DOORCO.

DOORCO’s strategy has never been a case of big ‘for the sake of it’. We’ve grown strategically to continue to meet the needs of all our customers – small, medium and large. It’s a journey that started over 4 years ago, and part of a well thought out, considered – and even cautious – overall strategy. To enable customers to continue to grow and for us to accept new customers (from prepped to container) has always been our aim.

The shape of the composite door market has shifted significantly in recent years. Gone are the days of one large supplier with complete control over the sector. Markets with multiple suppliers mean choice and a far healthier market for everyone. It’s a great endorsement to see Palmer’s report underpinning DOORCO’s strategy to support customers through investment, something that will benefit all of us if we get it right.

Dan Sullivan. DOORCO MD

Picture above: Mark Ballard (r) of Beau windows, presenting his customer with a 55” smart TV courtesy of Listers and Elitis.

2017 is already in full swing and with cold winter days and dark mornings greeting us, many of us are counting down the days till the summer kicks in. Lister Trade Frames of Stoke on Trent have made sure however, that the winter months still bring plenty of cheer to their customers by announcing the latest winner of their annual prize draw.

Listers have become synonymous over the last decade for their innovative consumer facing brand, “Elitis”. Designed and built for their trade customers, Elitis allows Listers customers to compete with the large national companies with hundreds of thousands of pounds behind their marketing. And one of the many perks of being an Elitis installer, is the ability to tap into the many initiatives that Elitis offer.

One such initiative is the unique window tags that accompany every installation. Housing an individual number on each tag, the end user is encouraged to register them on the Elitis website which automatically enters them into a prize draw and by proxy, their installer.

This year’s lucky recipient was Mark Ballard of Beau Windows who scooped a brand new purpose built website whilst his lucky customer won a fantastic 55” Smart TV!

“I have bought from Listers for many years and I always make sure that I tell my customers that I’m a proud Elitis installer,” commented Mark, “I find that the brand supports me in my quest to deliver not only a great installation, but a superb product.”

Daniel Shaw, Marketing Manager for Listers had this to say, “Mark typifies what being an Elitis installer is all about. He’s a consummate professional, diligent with his installations and has fully embraced everything that Listers can offer via the Elitis brand. We’re delighted that he and his customer have been randomly selected as this year’s tag winner.”

Listers have always made sure that their customers are looked after and although winning gifts is always a welcome addition, the core of the Listers offering is all about supporting their trade installer with the very best service and products. “We are further developing our marketing support to our customers, making Elitis even more accessible and pivotal to our customers’ strategy,” commented Daniel, “and with installers like Beau Windows on board, it can only strengthen the brand in the eyes of the consumer.”

The final word goes to Mark who simply said, “Working with Listers is already a winning partnership, now I’m even able to get my customer involved which has helped me establish an even stronger relationship with my client. Literally, everyone’s a winner!”