Katie Gregg Joins Window & Door Dealers Alliance

According to Distinction Doors, the composite door supplier has over 50% of the market share and confirms its position as the market leader. Chantel Roach, Sales and Marketing Director at Distinction Doors, comments: “We’re proud of what our company has achieved and we’re proud to support our customers in maximising the opportunities for their businesses.”

The company has around 80,000 doors in stock at any one time at its 86,000 sq foot headquarters in Yorkshire – 260% more than its nearest rival, it is claimed. Coupled with around 180,000 glazing cassettes and 45,000 triple glazed units, it’s an impressive offering that translates into rapid delivery and turnaround times. 

Distinction says its Signature door is widely regarded as the most beautiful on the market and its oak tree woodgrain skin is much admired. The glazing cassettes feature the same woodgrain effect for a seamless finish and claims to be proven to be the most thermally efficient – 17% more efficient than the next best. 

In the nxt-gen range the company is proving its market-leading credentials in innovation too. For example, the glazing system sits flush within its frame and has an internal glass retention bead for a sleek and elegant finish that’s unique to nxt-gen. The brief was to create the next generation of composite doors and all the feedback is that the range has delivered exactly that.

Marketing is equally impressive. The retail literature sells the Distinction difference clearly and stylishly while innovative features such as real RAL/BS colour swatches bring the door and its quality alive for homeowners. The company’s design boutique provides graphic design for promotional literature. And there’s a free bespoke door-designer tool that Distinction customers can use on their own websites and in their own sales processes.

To find out more visit www.distinctiondoors.co.uk

The idea of brick and mortar stores in a digital age is something which seems a bit archaic. You only need to look at the major decline in the UK of the high street. Closed buildings up and down every major town and city. Even in the US, all the major department store chains are shutting down stores all over the country as footfall falls and online sales rise. It becomes a drain on finances to keep these places open.

Yet, in the face of this digital onslaught, the recent Insight Data industry report has revealed that more and more installers are opting to build new showrooms. In fact in the past three years there have been more than 300 new showrooms built:

We all know how fantastic (in the main) the internet has been for our industry. Never has the public been so informed and educated about our industry and it’s products. But I think there was a fear not too long ago that the internet could derail the more physical side of our industry. These figures suggest not, and point to an industry investing strongly in physical display space to draw in home owners.

Creating the wow factor

Although the internet and digital platforms give installers a great many tools in which to market themselves to home owners, it can never really give you that awesome “feel-in-the-hand” experience.

That is where more and more installers are turning to showrooms as a way to create the wow factor for home owners who come in to visit them. It really does work.

I bought a new car the other week from Audi. They told me that they spent a whopping £8m on their showroom, and you could see why. It’s pretty much a glass box with very thin aluminium curtain walled frames. All the signage is clean in brushed metals. The floor inside is a smooth, shiny, high quality tile. There is a cafe inside in the showroom. TVs on the walls whilst you wait. The toilets could be from a 7-star hotel in Dubai. Some of the sexiest models are displayed proudly in the centre. There is a special “handing over” room in the back where people go to have their new car unveiled to them. There is a service department reminiscent to something you would see in the early Iron Man movies. It all combines to create a luxury, special kind of customer service experience. You know you’re going to buy an expensive car, but you leave feeling like it is money very well spent.

That is something that I hope plenty of installers are shooting for when focusing on their own showrooms. I think many are. I think many understand that a showroom can be such a visually powerful, persuading tool, and when executed right, will almost always result in the home owner giving you their business.

We have recently revamped our own showroom this year to try and replicate some of that high-end feel.

We painted, replaced the carpets, plastered walls, installed new lighting, put TV screens up, a motif on the wall and a whole host of brand new window and door products, kindly provided by our suppliers; John Fredericks, Roseview Windows, Solidor, Evolution, Brisant and Adria Glass. We have tried, in as neat and organised way possible, to show our customer’s as much of what we do, whilst trying to keep the space clean, modern and to demonstrate that “high end” feel. Feedback from our customers has been positive so far.

This is where a well designed, high quality showroom becomes an installer’s best friend. But a showroom has to form part of a wider, more coordinated marketing strategy.

Combined strategy

There is no doubting how powerful a quality showroom can be for an installer. And showrooms will remain relevant for us all in the years to come. As with all big ticket home improvement purchases, such as kitchens, bathrooms and of course windows and doors, many home owners spending lots of money still want to see and feel the products in their hands. It’s reassuring for them, and gives them a much better idea of what is and isn’t possible for them.

Still, a showroom only forms part of a wider marketing strategy, which must combine with other factors to help create a coordinated, smooth and connected marketing plan for any window and door installer.

For example, using social media and websites to not only promote the products and services an installer has, but to also encourage potential customers to visit the showroom. In my experience I have found that most of the customers we get into the showroom eventually sign up with us. Many have also researched us online, and have then chosen to come in and see our products up close. This is how using both main sales tools together can create a stronger pull for home owners.

I see the number of showrooms increasing in the next three years also, but perhaps at a slower pace as the predicted slowdown halts investment.

Brisant Secure has been nominated for Best Hardware Company in the National Fenestration Awards. The company has seen the hugely successful launch of Ultion, its flagship lock which has taken cylinder door locks to a whole new level. Ultion comes with Sold Secure Diamond, Secured by Design and BSI kite marked TS007 3 star and has helped create a premium market for locks that provide real-life security. It also comes with a unique £1,000 guarantee against break-ins.  

Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure, comments: “It’s been an incredible journey since we started Ultion. Everything we do is designed to help composite door manufacturers and installers sell more doors – and the successes have been brilliant. We’ve built on the launch of Ultion and earlier this year we introduced Lock Lock, our new high security handle. Being nominated for an NFA Award is a great acknowledgement of how far we’ve come.”

Other initiatives such as Keycap and Keyring were launched in 2017, enabling homeowners to personalise their keys and to locate and ‘call’ them using TrackR technology, linked to their smartphone. Coupled with the Ultion lock, these help provide homes with real-security against real-life attacks. In fact, Ultion has even been captured on video defeating a real burglary attempt. 

More tools designed to help Brisant customers sell include:

• A homeowner database of 26,000 people
• The ‘Find A Door That Locks’ feature which locates fabricators, installers, and locksmiths based on a postcode search. This was used 13,562 times in the last 12 months. The Ultion website now has an annual total of 140,000 unique visitors. And in 2017 the videos on the site were viewed 88,307 times.
• Access to national crime statistics and a crime-checker which allows homeowners to see crime rates in their area in the last six months

To watch a short video of why Brisant says you should vote for them, visit www.brisant-secure.com/latest-news. 

To vote for Brisant, go to www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/hardware-company-2017. 

Call 01924 410 200, visit www.ultion-lock.co.uk or follow @UltionLock on Twitter.

When Jake Hodgkinson started as an apprentice at Bennett Architectural in June 2015, he didn’t expect to 18 months later be a Supervisor of the Manufacturing team.

Jake’s role as a Fabricator is a vital cog in the Bennetts machine as he has a hands-on role once projects are passed to his team to begin. 

The 22-year-old studied through PM Training to attain an NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Performing Manufacturing operations when he first started and has since undertaken a NVQ Level 3 in Glass Installation. With his role as a Supervisor he is also planning to undertake a Team Leading course soon.

Jake also works with our Processing team to ensure design drawings are ready to start the fabrication process. Some of the jobs Jake has had a real influence on include projects at Aldi Headquarter offices in Atherstone and ABCAM Bio-Medical Campus, which is set to be one of the biggest jobs the company has ever been involved in.

Part of the work on the ABCAM project required Jake and senior members of the team to put together a mock up window that could be impact tested off-site.

Jake Hodgkinson commented,

“I saw an internal vacancy for a Supervisor in the Manufacturing team and felt like I wanted that extra responsibility after learning on the job since starting as an apprentice.

“I’m finding it very rewarding to pass on my knowledge to newer members of the team and people who have started as apprentices with Bennetts.”

“As a Supervisor, once a job is coming to a finish I am already looking at drawings for our next project to ensure we can start the work on time.”

Rob Derricott, Production Manager added,

“Jake has progressed exceptionally well in the short time he has been with the company, his dedication and integrity made him an ideal candidate for the role, he is very knowledgeable and is developing our apprentices to a high standard. 

“We will continue to support Jake with opportunities in career development and we look forward to working with him for many years to come.”

Image Above: A landmark anniversary of a partnership dating back to 1962 is celebrated by hardware distributor
Carl F Groupco and renowned German lock manufacturer, FUHR.

A 55 year partnership is celebrated by hardware distributor Carl F Groupco and renowned German lock manufacturer, FUHR. The company, then Groupco, was the original distributor of FUHR products in the UK and, after significant growth, Carl F Groupco is now FUHR’s largest single customer worldwide.

The collaboration between the two companies dates back to 1962 and, from the earliest days, FUHR’s extensive range of locking solutions have been flagship lines in the Carl F Groupco catalogue. Six FUHR products are currently featured in Carl F Groupco’s top 10 best seller list: the biggest selling line overall is the FUHR 856 Type 3 door lock.

Endorsing the partnership, FUHR’s Managing Director and owner, Andreas Fuhr said:

“We value our relationship with Carl F Groupco extremely highly. The strength of the partnership comes from our shared values and history – we look forward to continuing to work with the team to supply our traditional markets and expand into new sectors such as Smart Tech.”

Carl F Groupco’s Managing Director John Crittenden expanded on the significance of the relationship:

“We have grown with FUHR to increase our offer from standard mechanical locks to the fully motorised 881 multipoint lock. FUHR is an important partner to us for a number of reasons including product quality, innovation and service commitment. Support also plays a key role and training is extensive – our entire sales team has visited FUHR’s German headquarters to gain a deep understanding of product features, benefits and how to make a lock.”

An extensive range of FUHR products is offered by Carl F Groupco including hardware that caters for all major aluminium systems. The FUHR multitronic fully motorised multipoint lock plays a pivotal role in Carl F Groupco’s pioneering SmartSecure electronic door locking and Smart access control brand.

Everglade Windows’ position as one of the top 75 fabricators/installers in a recent industry report confirms that they are the perfect supplier for installers in London & the South East. 

With 37 years of window and door manufacturing experience and award-winning customer service, the family business has grown to be the best fabricator in London, says the company.

“Customers are at the heart of everything we do” explains Jay Patel, Sales & Marketing Director at Everglade Windows. “It’s our job to create opportunities for our customers by offering the latest products, backed by technical expertise and the greatest customer care.

“We understand the challenges facing installers and we develop our products and services to make their lives easier, with trend-setting products, the latest manufacturing technology and security of supply.”

The recent report by Insight Data named Everglade Windows in the top 75 fabricators/installers out of 15,099 companies – and the only one in London.

Everglade Windows is one of the largest trade fabricators in the South East, offering the biggest range of Kömmerling PVCu windows and doors, a host of composite door options and a market leading aluminium range that includes the exclusive aïr brand.

Yogesh Gopal, Managing Director adds: “We wouldn’t have made this top 75 or be the successful fabricator we are today without our legendary customers and supplier partnerships and this is a great opportunity to say a big thank you to you all.”

www.everglade.co.uk 

Customers have applauded Glazerite for another spectacular Race Day where racegoers helped to raise over £550 for a charity devoted to giving gift bags to cancer patients.

More than 150 guests attended the event at Wolverhampton Racecourse, which included a three-course dinner and evening entertainment, with some travelling from as far away as Aberdeen and the Isle of Man.

“We have a fair trek to get to the Glazerite Race Day but it has always been worth it,” said Andy Cadman, Trade Sales Director for Thistle Windows, “It’s a fantastic evening for us all and a great deal of money was raised for a worthy charity. We really appreciate that Glazerite continue to hold the event every year, especially whilst budgets generally continue to be under a lot of scrutiny.”

Despite the event historically being held on a Friday, this year Glazerite chose to break with tradition, as Director Jason Thompson explained: “We decided to test the water and host the event on a Saturday which allowed our installers to relax without losing a day out of the working week. Everyone had a great time and the move was very well received. It was a pleasure to see so many Glazerite installer partners and staff getting together, strengthening relationships and putting faces to names.”

There were both losses and wins on the horses, with Shane Howells, owner of Shane Howells Ltd, being one of the lucky installers. He commented: “What a fantastic night with great friends. The win made it extra special and we can’t wait to see what Glazerite have in store for us next year”.

The biggest handover of the evening, however, was £552 to The Lewis Foundation, a charity who organise weekend visits to Northamptonshire hospitals to give cancer patients a choice of gift bags to brighten their stay.

Group Marketing Manager, Michelle Wright said: “Whilst visiting a friend in hospital I came across them when their volunteers brought my friend in a gift bag to cheer her up. Since then I’ve followed them and have been amazed by the work they do. We raised a fantastic amount on the night due to everyone’s generosity and the charity were delighted at the prospect of being able to help so many more patients with the donation.  It’s definitely a charity worth checking out, they’re very active on social media.”

A selection of photos from the event can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1JAW3leEew&list=PLpaGQ3pjJv9dIh4_NvrT0RjV45lEI-t5J

The Glazerite UK Group is VEKA’s largest trade fabricator in the UK and a long-standing Network VEKA member. It offers a fully nationwide service based on manufacturing units in Northants, Peterborough and Greater Manchester as well as its South West distribution hub in Bristol serving South Wales and The West of England.