Installer Sherborne Windows boosts business with REAL Aluminium

An installer has increased its aluminium business by 50% after making the leap to REAL Aluminium. Sherborne Windows is reaping the rewards of Customade Group’s complete aluminium solution after becoming one of the first installers in the UK to adopt it when it was launched a last year. Chris Long, managing director of Sherborne Windows, explains: “We are very pleased to have increased our spend on aluminium by 50% compared to the same period last year. There is a rapidly rising demand in the domestic market for aluminium and we have been able to take advantage of these positive trading conditions because we have a robust supply chain in place and access to full sales and marketing support to help us achieve growth.”

Sherborne began installing aluminium glazed roofing systems from Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, which is also part of the Customade Group, some time ago and recognised that REAL Aluminium could help the company achieve growth in aluminium.  The company, which has three dedicated showrooms at Farnborough and Hartley Wintney in Hampshire and Windlesham in Surrey, was attracted to REAL Aluminium because of the impressive array of aluminium products available from a single source and the enviable showroom and marketing support on offer. With access to these products and the best domestic aluminium retail brochure to help the sales team to win business, Sherborne has completed dozens of large-scale installations using REAL Aluminium windows, bi-folding doors, sliding doors, French doors, residential doors and lantern roofs. Chris adds: “The quoting and product lead times for the range of REAL Aluminium products are way ahead of other fabricators and this has helped us to confidently secure new business and keep customers satisfied. The whole package behind these products is seamless and we know that we have won more aluminium work because of the support it delivers. The team at REAL is dedicated to our success and that makes an enormous difference to how smoothly our relationship with them works.”

An Atlas Skyroom and REAL Aluminium windows and doors have been installed at Sherborne’s showroom in Windlesham, whilst the Hartley Wintney site features a selection of flat rooflights, aluminium bi-folding doors and French doors. Sherborne has seen a significant uplift in aluminium sales as a direct result of homeowners visiting the showroom. “We know that displaying products in the right way will influence a sale so we made a sizeable investment in our showrooms which showcase the complete range of REAL Aluminium products. This decision has paid off for us and the number of sales enquiries we receive has increased on last year. Visitors can see and feel the quality of the products and really imagine how they will look in their homes,” says Chris. Sherborne has also taken advantage of the comprehensive showroom and marketing support package from REAL Aluminium which includes the 36-page luxury REAL Aluminium brochure – the UK’s only retail brochure dedicated to the full range of aluminium fenestration products. Sherborne has every brochure personalised with their logo and company details.

REAL Aluminium is designed to eliminate the common pitfalls associated with the supply of aluminium and to make sourcing aluminium as easy as buying PVC-u. The REAL range of aluminium windows, bi-folding doors, sliding doors, French doors, residential doors, composite doors and lantern roofs is manufactured in a dedicated factory, which holds more than 100 miles of aluminium extrusions in stock in the four most popular colours Lead times for REAL are much shorter than other aluminium fabricators at just two weeks.  The Customade group now operates nationwide and employs 900 people in multiple manufacturing sites across the UK. The Group includes Polyframe (PVC-u), REAL Aluminium (aluminium), Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions (glazed roofs), Virtuoso (composite and paneled doors), Hourglass Seal (sealed glass units), and Fineline Aluminium (specialist glazing).

The post Installer Sherborne Windows boosts business with REAL Aluminium appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Deceuninck has worked with Climatec Windows Ltd for 10 years supplying quality solutions for various projects. Recently the two companies have worked together to deliver 95 foiled Slider24 patio doors to an entire block of new build apartments in Orpington, Kent.  Steve Barker at Climatec explains: “We were asked to quote for this project by one of our larger commercial contract customers for a new build project for Berkeley Homes. The Deceuninck patio doors were particularly suited to this project because it required the doors to be smooth anthracite grey on white and these are not so widely available from other systems companies. The contemporary 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are completed to a high specification, each with a private terrace, winter garden or balcony, which residents can make the most of with the Slider24.

“Climatec prides itself on offering customers a full suite of window and door products that are manufactured to a high quality – our customers seldom need to go elsewhere, which means we have a very loyal customer base. As well as the Slider24, we also manufacture Deceuninck’s 2800 flush sash product, which, like the sliding patio door, is of high quality and meets the demands of our customers. It’s still early days with the flush sash but initial feedback from customers is very good. Deceuninck has also supported us in our achievement of an A++ energy rating on a triple glazed flush sash window, which we will be launching to the market very soon. However, it’s not just about the products with Deceuninck. They offer a very good service too. The technical support is prompt and the marketing materials they supply are impressive. We’ve also always had a good relationship with the company’s employees, across all departments, which makes the day to day contact so easy.”

Andy Smith, Deceuninck’s Business Development Manager in the South-East comments: “We’re thrilled to have worked so closely with Climatec on this project and others like it to deliver the very best end result to the customer. Our market leading colour offering of 26 colourways from stock, means we can deliver colour hassle free, which is something fabricators tell us they are struggling to get elsewhere. Deceuninck is a systems company that is entirely focused on helping customers grow by delivering quality, innovative and reliable products every time and we enjoy working with like-minded ambitious companies like Climatec.”

The post Deceuninck supports Climatec on new-build project with Slider24 appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

MPL Locksmith Training is based in Wakefield and provides the only City & Guilds accredited specialist locksmith training in the UK, claims the company.  The company is now CORGI Fenestration registered too.

MPL launched this course in 2008, the only one of its kind in the country.  In 2016 it achieved City & Guilds accreditation and in 2017 needed to expand the range of courses and move to new premises so it could satisfy demand.  Initially the CORGI Fenestration registered City & Guilds course will run for five days and will culminate in the issuing of a CORGI Fenestration skills card.  This card will prove invaluable to qualified locksmiths as the CORGI mark is recognised by 74% of UK consumers*.

Nicky England, MPL Locksmith Training Operations Director, commented:  “We are delighted to be the first locksmith training provider that has registered with CORGI Fenestration.  We both share the same commitment to recognise and encourage best practice. It proves that the level of training we offer is of the highest standard and meets all required criteria.” England added: “Offering the CORGI Fenestration skills card alongside City & Guilds accreditation raises locksmiths we train to another level – the best in the industry.”

“We are delighted to welcome MPL Locksmith Training into the CORGI Fenestration family,” commented Chris Mayne, CEO of CORGI Fenestration.  “MPL’s registration is an example of CORGI Fenestration’s commitment to recognising and encouraging best practice across the whole supply chain.  This now includes the professional fitting of window and door locks by the best qualified staff.”

CORGI Fenestration has been established to bring together the best in glazing company management, customer service, qualifications, the best qualified staff and their continuing professional development.

Further information:

enquiries@corgifenestration.co.uk

www.corgifenestration.co.uk

Astraseal are well-known for their ever-expanding product range. Once again, the Wellingborough-based firm has strengthened its diverse offering with the addition of Alitherm 500, the new aluminium flush casement from Smarts.

The Alitherm 500 offers a credible replacement for timber windows, whilst still providing a viable solution for new-build, replacement and even commercial applications. The inherent slim sightlines of aluminium combined with its flush sash and sympathetic dimensions creates a window that is well suited to period properties.

“We are very fortunate, in that we can add such bespoke products like Smart’s Alitherm 500 to our range with relative ease,” explains Zac Nedimovic, Astraseal’s Sales and Marketing Manager. “Alitherm 500 is a high-performance flush casement which provides our trade customers with a valuable and versatile product for a wide range of uses. Whether it’s in the traditional market as a timber replacement or a new-build project looking for a distinct, flush appearance, Alitherm can deliver without compromise.”

As to be expected from the experts at Smarts, the Alitherm 500 is thermally broken to achieve a U Value of 1.4 W/m²k when paired with Astraseal’s ‘A’ rated sealed units. Available in top hung and side hung configurations with optional dummy sashes, the Alitherm 500 can achieve an astonishing maximum sash size of 700mm wide by 1400mm in height.

This latest addition to the range is manufactured in Astraseal’s new, dedicated aluminium factory. Located near their Wellingborough HQ, the 25,000 sq-ft state-of-the-art facility achieves a greater economy of scale for the uPVC and aluminium fabricator, and helps to reduce their aluminium lead times.

With one of the biggest portfolios in the industry, Astraseal has built a strong reputation for high-quality aluminium and uPVC products including windows, doors and conservatories. For over 30-years, operating from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, Astraseal’s ethos has been to offer exceptional products with customer service that goes above and beyond.

For more information call Astraseal on 01933 227233 or visit www.astraseal.co.uk

Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions says it is celebrating its best month ever for sales of its lantern roofs, rooflights and Skyroom mock orangery system, reportedly pulling in 40% more sales compared to the same period last year.

And after this ‘record-breaking’ month, Atlas says it is now ‘well on course to smash more sales records before the end of the year’.

Gareth Thomas, sales and marketing director at Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, explained: “It’s been a fantastic period for the business and we are absolutely delighted with this record performance which shows that we know a thing or two about glazed roofing!

“There are lots of glazed roofing products on the market but the Atlas roof system still remains the best out there. It’s gained an envied reputation for being the strongest, best looking and most thermally efficient roof available and a growing number of homeowners are asking for an Atlas roof by name, which is a fantastic affirmation of our brand.

“Escalating consumer demand has led to our record-breaking month and affirms our position as a major player in the industry. We are focused on the needs of our customers and we’re incredibly proud to have created a very elite, and rapidly growing, network of Atlas installers who’ve seen their sales rocket with Atlas. This exciting brand gives them everything they need to stand out in the market and win lucrative business.

“We talk installer language and we know that a huge advantage for installers, is what these products can do for their profitability. Combining all the looks and performance that homeowner’s desire with the ease of installation that installers demand, means that our range delivers a far greater profit margin than its rivals. In such a competitive industry, we bring an exciting new source of revenue for installers, helping them to win longer term, lucrative business.

“As soon as a customer sees an Atlas product, they’re impressed with its unique modern appearance and very slim sightlines which really set it apart from its rivals. With a 70% slimmer profile than other systems, no chunky boss or hood and no low rod bar, it’s easy to see why our glazed roofing products are a dream to sell.”

www.atlasroofsolutions.co.uk

The post Atlas celebrates ‘best month ever’ appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, the pace of life for UK homeowners takes a noticeable dip as we try to apply some hygge to our lives, according to new research by Velux.

Nearly two thirds of UK homeowners admit that their pace of life is slower during the winter compared to the summer. That gentler pace of life is perhaps due to the fact that more than eight in 10 UK homeowners spend more time indoors at home during the winter compared to the summer.

Given the move from outdoors to indoors, homeowners are increasingly looking to realise the potential of their homes for winter by making a number of lifestyle and interior changes which are more synonymous with the well-known Danish trend of hygge. Pronounced ‘hue-guh’, this is the Danish coined phrase that can be translated simply as ‘cosiness’ in English.

As homeowners prepare to get cosy at home, Velux has teamed up with ‘interior design influencer’, Hege, to offer some top tips on creating some hygge happiness at home.

Grant Sneddon, product manager from Velux says the way we live in our homes has changed significantly over recent years.

He said: “As the nights draw in, our homes take on even more significance to the quality of our lives. Given the amount of time we spend indoors during the winter months, we like to try to create an environment that is warming and cosy. It’s all part of an increased desire by homeowners to turn their homes into sanctuaries, and invest in creating spaces that make a positive impact on our lives. That’s why trends like hygge, from our company homeland in Denmark, have really caught on in the UK in recent years.”

UK-based interior design blogger and stylist, Hege Morris of Hege in France, shares how you can create some hygge happiness in your home.

She said: “Mood lighting is essential to the hygge philosophy. Candles and cosy blankets are a must when we want to create a warm atmosphere in our homes. Hygge is much more than that though. It is about spending time together, maybe bake a cake or play a board game. It’s all about simple pleasures and enjoying each other’s company, friends or family. Put phones and tablets away and have fun together.”

www.velux.com

The post Homeowners get ready to hunker down for winter with a touch of hygge appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

As a longstanding supplier of processed glass, with a heritage that spans almost 35 years, Regency Glass is a leading industry name. Based in Leigh, Lancashire, they have worked determinedly over the years to establish and sustain a reputation of distinction in quality and service. Seriously passionate about its brand, commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, Regency were looking for a certification provider with the relevant industry knowledge and expertise who could deliver on regulatory compliance and would engage with the Regency ethos – which is why they’ve made the switch to CENSolutions.

Debra Fitzmartin, Quality Manager at Regency Glass explains: “Delivering on quality and service has and always will be priority for Regency Glass. Product accreditations and a relevant Quality Management System provide the infrastructure to ensure continued customer confidence in Regency Glass and its product range. Regency first attained accreditation on sealed units some 25 years ago, with accreditation on the tempered safety glass range following just four years later. Compliance is as important today as it has always been so we believed it was important to challenge ourselves and seek an industry focussed compliance partner, who could provide the most effective support and guidance. After meeting with Wayne and the team at CENSolutions it was clear that they fit the brief and are the kind of provider we consider, will actively meet Regency’s and our customers’ needs.

“After a period of recent investment, we have expanded our manufacturing capabilities and our product offering as a result and are excited about what the future has in store for Regency Glass. We are delighted that CENSolutions will be working with us as we embark on this next phase and will be on hand for Regency and our customers should we need them.”Wayne Rogerson, Joint Managing Director of CENSolutions adds: “We are absolutely delighted to partner with Regency Glass for all of their certification requirements. They have a fantastic reputation in the market place, which I believe is based on their commitment to quality products and service. They embrace the standards and strive to be on the front foot with legislation in order to support their customers. They have a really knowledgeable and experienced team and we are looking forward to working with them closely in the future to ensure their customers are getting the very latest information and support when it comes to compliance.”

www.censolutions.com  www.regencyglass.co.uk

Hurst Plastics’ has been announced as the recommended ongoing supplier of PVCu door panels for customers who have previously bought from Phoenix Doors. The move follows the announcement by parent company Masco UK Window Group that Phoenix Doors is to cease production of door panels.

Hurst Plastics, which currently manufactures more than 2,000 door panels a week at its dedicated factory in Kingston-upon-Hull, will fulfil orders for former Phoenix Doors customers from 3 November. These increased volumes will cement Hurst Plastics’ position as the UK’s largest manufacturer of door panels.

Mark Atkinson, Hurst Plastics’ Sales Director, says: “We know that the panel market is mature and declining, but sales of Hurst Plastics’ door panels have actually grown for the last four years – albeit modestly. This performance shows that there is still demand for door panels, despite the growing popularity of composite doors, and we intend to continue supporting door panels while that demand is still there.

“Customers continue to buy panels from us because we have always invested in the range and we provide a dedicated support package for it. We’ve also helped the door panel to keep up with changing consumer tastes by constantly introducing new styles and colours. Our Modern Collection, for instance, emulates the look of a composite door and features a contemporary stainless steel trim which is very appealing.

“We are pleased to be chosen to support Masco with their ongoing panel supply. Our relationship with Phoenix has always been a healthy and respectful one and they have been, and continue to be, a worthy competitor. I’d sincerely like to wish all the best to Neil Peck, who founded Phoenix Door Panels and is retiring and to some of the team who are moving on to pastures new.”

Hurst Plastics provides a comprehensive installer package for its range of door panels, which provides Hurst customers with all the resources they need to promote themselves and sell to the homeowner. It delivers full marketing and sales support, including access to product photography, fully personalised product literature and point of sale material.

To satisfy market trends, Hurst constantly expands its panels range and even offers a collection of bespoke door styles. The door panels are available in a number of woodgrain and colourgrain options, including popular shades such as Chartwell Green and Anthracite Grey. Door panels can even be personalised with bespoke glazing to create a completely unique glass design for a front door. Hurst Plastics is the only door manufacturer in the UK to offer digital printing direct on to glass, which allows installers can take a customer’s favourite photograph and reproduce it directly on to glass.

Over the last three years, Hurst Plastics has invested heavily in plant and machinery to increase the production capabilities of its two factories in Kingston-upon-Hull. This has enabled Hurst to boost production of both its composite doors and door panels, whilst maintaining excellent manufacturing standards. The firm also recently completed a £500,000 investment programme into new vehicles, which included the purchase of 15 delivery vans to deliver more than 99% of Hurst’s doors throughout the UK.

www.hurst-plastics.co.uk