Virtuoso offers a touching experience for installers

Virtuoso has announced a series of exclusive customer experience days for its growing installer network. Guests will get the chance to see the range of composite and PVC-U panels and feel the ‘sensational’ new Virtu-AL composite door.

Held at its 80,000ft2 site at Birtley, County Durham, this will be the first time that the manufacturer of composite doors and PVC-U panels has hosted a series of installer-driven events since becoming part of Customade Group.

Virtuoso reports that dozens of installers have already signed up, citing Virtu-AL – the UK’s first aluminium textured, non-woodgrain finish composite door, as a ‘real draw’.

Tony Craggs, managing director of Virtuoso, explained: “We’ve had an amazing response to Virtu-AL since its launch in August and everyone who has seen it agrees that it’s like nothing else out there. What better way to truly demonstrate its unique qualities than at a customer day where people can discover for themselves just how special it is? There’s more to come soon and we will be giving our guests a glimpse of the new Smarts aluminium frame, which we’ll be launching early next year. This door of the future is definitely looking ahead!”

“Virtu-AL is part of our formidable collection of doors and our customers will have the chance to see our whole PVC-U panel and composite door range during their visit. We’re very proud of our high standards of manufacture and we’ll be inviting everyone to examine how our doors are made as they tour through our factory.”

“As a major player in the composite and PVC-U door panel market, we’re also really looking forward to sharing our bold plans for growth with customers. Our guests will certainly be impressed to see the results of our recent £750,000 investment into specialist machinery, new equipment and IT systems, which has helped us to increase our capabilities and given us unlimited capacity for the future.”

Tony added: “These customer days promise to be informative and inspiring and we’re really excited to be introducing installers to our enhanced range of doors. These products will help them to break new ground and establish themselves among those homeowners who don’t want to compromise on their entrance door. We’ll give our installers all the ingredients they need to grow their business with Virtuoso – it’s an experience not to be missed!”

To find out when the next Virtuoso customer experience day is taking place, please contact marketing@virtuoso-doors.co.uk

www.virtuoso-doors.co.uk

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As National Home Security Month approaches, composite door manufacturer, Hurst Plastics, is urging installers to seize the chance to talk to homeowners about door security.

Now in its fifth year, National Home Security Month runs throughout the whole of October and aims to increase awareness about the importance of home security in protecting people and their belongings.

Mark Atkinson, sales director at Hurst Plastics, said: “National Home Security Month is gaining wider media coverage every year and it’s an ideal opportunity for our installers to highlight the essential role of high quality door security.

“With more than 75% of intruders gaining entry into a property through the front door, security must start there. The quality of every component in a door and how it performs is crucial so installers must engage with homeowners and prompt them to think about their front door as an all-important first line of defence.

“And given that October, November and December are traditionally the peak months for domestic burglaries in the UK, there is no better time to bring security to the forefront of everyone’s minds.”

Composite doors are now the most popular entrance door in the UK, accounting for 50% of the domestic market. Hurst Plastics is offering support to installers to help them provide homeowners with the correct information on how to ensure their door security meets the required standards.

There are three main elements of legislation relating to composite door security that installers need to consider. First is Document Q, under which products must demonstrate that they have been tested to an acceptable security standard, ideally PAS 24: 2016. Second is PAS 24: 2016 whereby composite doors must achieve the new standard by 2018 and pass the more demanding PAS 24 ‘Cut Through Test’. And third is TS008, which applies to letterplates, which must provide resistance to attack or ‘fishing’ for keys.

For more advice on legislation or the Hurst composite door, please contact Hurst Plastics composite manager, Howard Wilson, on 01482 790790 or howard.wilson@hurst-plastics.co.uk

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Image Above: Robert Palmer, Director, Palmer Market Research

Palmer Market Research’s new report into the performance and prospects of the UK window and door industry, warns of significant headwinds, with a slowdown in the housing market and uncertainty surrounding Brexit, contributing to market contraction.

Published this month, Palmer’s new market research report, The Window, Door and Conservatory Markets in Housing in Great Britain, accounts that the industry performed above forecast in 2016.

This included growth of 1% in volume terms and 7% in value terms to £4.5bn, driven by a shift towards higher-end products.

This included significant growth in bi-fold doors and growing sales of foiled and mechanically jointed/timber effect PVC-U windows, the former up 9.3% in 2016 to 42,700 door sets.

The market for windows in total grew 1.2% to 6.82million frames and remains dominated by PVC-U. This this was, however, outstripped by a 5.5% increase in installed value to £2.38bn, driven by a shift to higher end products.

The ‘trade-off’ to this growth was a slowing in the volume PVC-U market and a continuing decline in sales of timber windows – which have fallen in volume by more than 60% since 2000.

More positively, the report found that average installed prices of conservatories was up by 12%, while conservatory replacements saw growth of 6%, although this was offset by a decline in first time installations of 4%.

Trends in the Glazing Market in Housing 2000 to 2016 (volume (no. of products installed) and installed value (current prices)); Index 2000 = 100

If the industry performed above expectation in 2016, Palmer is far less sanguine about its prospects going forward.

The report paints a complex picture defined by pockets of substantial growth but delivered against a forecast backdrop of market contraction – in volume terms at least – of 4% this year, 2% in 2018 and 1% in 2019 before a return to moderate growth in 2020.

“The industry has out-performed our forecasts last year but we’re now seeing near stagnation in the housing market, which is a tell tail sign of tougher economic conditions to come. This and the uncertainty around Brexit has led to a weakening of consumer confidence, which we expect to bite in the second half of this year and through next”, explained Robert Palmer, Director, Palmer Market Research.

He continued: “This is already contributing to a level of hesitancy among housebuilders, which will make government policy and continuing investment in the Help-to-Buy scheme, increasingly key going forward.

“The social sector may be less effected by Brexit but it faces its own budgetary pressures, while we expect some funding to be diverted to the replacement of cladding and improvements to the safety of high-rise buildings in the fallout from the Grenfell Tower disaster.”

If these factors present generally unfavourable conditions, The Window, Door and Conservatory Markets in Housing in Great Britain 2017 nonetheless identifies some significant areas of growth going forward. These are for the most part defined by product and material type.

The growth recorded in bi-fold door sales and those of mechanically jointed PVC-U windows means that both are tipped for significant growth going forward as part of the general shift to higher end products. The fortunes for windows, doors and conservatories are again mixed, defined by a combination of installation and material type.

Palmer continued: “What we’re seeing is a very real shift in proposition.  This in general is leading away from volume product to a higher end higher margin offer. This is defined by material type, by product and even the design of those products, for example the shift to mechanical jointing and flush casements in PVC-U.

“What is also clear is that we’re already seeing some pretty unfavourable economic headwinds and these are unlikely to dissipate anytime soon, which makes product development in the right areas a key foundation of future growth but also longer term viability.”

For more information log on at www.palmermarketresearch.co.uk

email info@palmermarketresearch.co.uk or call 020 8390 8131.

Mila has scored a hat trick of G-Award nominations this time around, and is a finalist for Component Supplier, Customer Care Initiative and Trade Marketing Campaign of the Year.

The nominations recognise some of the key areas where Mila continues to excel, and it is particularly delighted to be the only hardware company in each of those three categories.

In the Component Supplier of the Year category, Mila has been recognised for its overall performance and particularly its success in reducing the risk of corrosion in zinc hardware, while in Customer Care, it has been recognised for its initiative to create a library of cascadable test data for customers.

Having won the Trade Marketing Campaign award for the last two years, Mila is competing for the prize once again and has been shortlisted for one of its dedicated digital campaigns.

Managing Director Richard Gyde commented: “It’s a great achievement to be the only hardware company which has made the shortlist in such competitive categories. Once again, it’s testament to the hard work of the whole team and to our commitment to excellence”

www.mila.co.uk

There has been some tit-for-tat knocking going on between the proponents of timber windows and those in support of PVC-U that hasn’t been seen for many years and which many believe was a thing of the past. Perhaps the question we should be asking is ‘Is it doing anyone any good and indeed, is the industry overall going to suffer?’  Or does it all miss the point anyway?

Recent reports (such as that published in Glass & Glazing Products (www.ggpmag.com/news/wood-window-alliance-calls-time-plastic-promises) site the Wood Window Alliance says it is ‘calling out’ companies that are ‘dressing up’ facts in order to sell more plastic windows. The report cites ‘fake facts’ and says ‘we cannot stand by and watch people installing PVC-U lookalikes in the belief that wood is a poor alternative to PVC-U….’ Naturally this has drawn a response from the British Plastics Federation which has challenged the ‘baffling and misguided’ WWA campaign (www.ggpmag.com/news/bpf-challenges-baffling-misguided-wwa-campaign). But where does this leave both camps, and what does the outside world think when looking in?  Having said that, what do people on the inside really think?

Mike Derham, Chairman of Mighton Products Ltd, takes a conciliatory view saying “Why I believe it all to be pointless, is that whilst PVC-U windows might be styled to look like timber, they are not competing directly with timber-framed windows. “Valid comparisons cannot be made between the two: PVC-U and timber windows are different products manufactured to appeal to two entirely different market sub-sectors and for which demographics display completely different priorities. Simply, PVC-U windows are designed to appeal at a completely different price point.”

Mike Derham’s company – Mighton Products Ltd – has been supplying hardware for the window industry, predominantly for box sash frames and for those produced in timber but also for companies manufacturing windows using PVC-U, so is ideally placed to see both sides of the debate. He points out: “How I began in the industry and my continuing passion, is in the refurbishment of original and manufacture of new timber-framed box sash windows. I enjoy the craftsmanship that goes into producing such products and the fact that they are produced using craft skills that have been honed over centuries. However, I also understand why PVC-U not only gained a foothold in the market but actually came to dominate.”

He adds: “Timber frames, whether casements or box sashes, are these days inevitably produced using treated softwoods, sustainable hardwoods and modified wood such as Accoya (which has a typical lifespan of up to 50 years), and for which the production processes are (or should be!) more dependent upon the skill of the operatives even in larger factories. By definition such materials and processes put them at a price point that is significantly higher than PVC-U frames. In the case of box sash replacements, they can be five to ten times the cost. Other drivers are regulation, with buildings being listed or defined by heritage status; and of course, there is the issue of emotion: owners of heritage properties inevitably are passionate about maintaining the original fittings and appearance of their properties. Authenticity is an important factor in the choice of genuine timber frames, not just in appearance but also in the use of real timber.”

Whilst Mike Derham is passionate about timber products, he also recognises the importance of the PVC-U impact on the industry, “The rise of PVC-U has been in the ability of the material to mimic timber, even in its painted form. We must remember that PVC-U quickly established itself to dominate the replacement window sector largely due to the dreadful softwood frames that were installed in new homes built in the ‘Sixties and ‘Seventies, many of which were rotting even as the owners took the keys to their new homes.”  “Since then of course, the timber industry has successfully rebuilt its status by consistently producing high quality products from a highly skilled community of joiners, which these days will undoubtedly offer durability, weather and security performance that is the equal of windows produced in any other material.

Mike Derham’s ‘voice of reason’ acknowledges the impact and success that both the timber and PVC-U have had on the market place, he adds, “The nature of the products the Timber industry produces and the time, skill and cost involved mean they are never going to be directly competing for the PVC-U industry’s customers. And many retailers sell windows in all of the available materials, in the knowledge that they must be able to offer a full portfolio of products for when their customers call upon them.” “Timber as a material evokes emotion and when it is crafted into windows, doors and other items that fashion a home. And as well as the manufacturers of PVC-U windows have done to mimic the appearance of timber windows most producers of such windows will admit that for many properties only timber is appropriate.”

Whatever the rights and wrongs of recent events, there are distinct markets for windows and doors produced in all framing materials; perhaps Mike Derham’s view on ‘focusing on selling the relative merits and not creating confusion amongst customers’ is perhaps the most sensible suggestion that both sides of the industry have seen so far, and that in fact adds real substance to the thought that ‘there really is room for everyone’.

www.mightonproducts.com

REHAU’s AGILA sliding door system is now available with ERA’s enhanced Total Security Guarantee, giving homeowners a lifetime of peace of mind that they have chosen the most secure patio doors on the market.

REHAU uses bespoke security hardware from ERA for its AGILA sliding doors to meet the requirements of PAS24, which includes a 12-point locking system and security handles.

Under ERA’s new Total Security Guarantee, this hardware is now guaranteed to deliver the ultimate in home security for the lifetime of the doors. In fact, ERA is so confident that its hardware is the best on the market that under the terms of its guarantee it will provide a replacement door, free of charge, plus £5,000 compensation should a customer suffer a break-in due to the failure of the hardware.

Recognised by Neighbourhood Watch, ERA’s Total Security Guarantee scheme is now a key selling point for the AGILA sliding doors and can be used by both installers promoting the doors to potential customers, and also fabricators looking to differentiate their offer from others.

The process of registering and claiming through the Total Security Guarantee has been simplified so that customers can easily access the full benefits of the scheme. Once a fabricator purchases and manufactures in accordance with the enhanced security option, ERA registers them onto the scheme; the installer is then notified by the fabricator that they need to register with ERA and a welcome pack, including customer literature, is sent out; the customer then registers their guarantee online within 14 days of installation for their lifetime of cover.

Gareth Jones, Marketing & Technical Director – Windows Division – at REHAU said: “Large span doors are increasingly popular with homeowners as they maximise light coming into living spaces and create a visual connection to the outdoors.

“However, in the past some customers have been concerned that while they deliver on style, they don’t hit the mark on security. With ERA’s new Total Security Guarantee, consumers can rest assured that AGILA doors are robust and fitted with the most secure hardware on the market, so they can have both style and security.

“This is about offering trade customers the enhanced security option with the security guarantee as an additional, extra option.“

REHAU says AGILA Sliding Doors are perfect for modern living, combining superior design and engineering to bring versatility and a feeling of openness to any home. The doors offer slim sightlines, excellent energy efficiency and noise reduction plus they are low maintenance as they are made from PVC-U. The AGILA sliding doors can be used as a traditional patio door, entrance door or a door leading to a conservatory.

For more information visit www.rehau.uk/agila and simply download the new brochure, or call your REHAU regional sales office and request a brochure to be mailed.

Vista managing director, Keith Sadler

Panel and composite door supplier, Vista, is preparing for the next stage in its investment ethos with the addition of another paint line at its state-of-the-art factory in the coming months.

The new paint line will allow Vista to continue to offer its doors sprayed in any RAL colour and meet the immense demand for entrance doors in unique colours. The investment follows a sustained period of growth for the Merseyside firm, which now produces a reported 150 composite doors per day.

“At Vista, we have always adopted a strong investment strategy to ensure we can meet rising demand, maintain our high standards of quality and importantly, reduce our lead times,” commented Vista managing director, Keith Sadler. “Adding a second paint line achieves all three. The new line will double our capacity for spraying doors, meaning not only can we complete the high quantity of orders we are receiving much faster, thus reducing lead times, we can also keep all spraying of composite doors in-house to ensure the quality.”

Vista are the creators of XtremeDoor, which is described as a ‘best-in-class composite door.

“Extending the XtremeDoor range gives our trade customers an incredibly valuable tool to sell, capitalising on consumer demands for an endlessly customisable door and offering exceptional performance and durability,” added Keith. “For installers who are considering adding XtremeDoor to their range, I think the sheer demand we are seeing and the investments we are making to support it, show the quality of XtremeDoor and the difference it is making to businesses across the country.”

The new paint line will join a number of key investments made by the firm including a brand-new CNC machine and edgebander, taking capacity to over 1,000 doors per week on a single shift. Earlier this year, Vista added six new door styles to the XtremeDoor range and two vibrant, premium door colours; French Blue and Royal Magenta. The firm also invested in an online composite door builder which is proving very popular with both consumers and installers.

www.vistapanels.co.uk

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The Glass Industry Awards, 2016 – G16 – London, Hilton Hotel.

Purplex clients have dominated the G-17 shortlist with an incredible 11 nominations, including four for South East based home improvement specialists SEH BAC – the best result in the competition this year.

SEH BAC are finalists in Installer of the Year, Conservatory Installer of the Year, Customer Care Initiative of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year (Retail), rounding off an outstanding 12 months for the company.

Warm edge experts Edgetech and restrictor specialists Jackloc® both make the Component Supplier of the Year shortlist, while Wellingborough based trade fabricator Astraseal are recognised in both the Fabricator of the Year and Customer Care Initiative of the Year categories.

Sash window specialists Roseview Windows and rooflight experts Roof Maker join Astraseal in Fabricator of the Year, while Epwin Fabrications are recognised in the Training and Development Initiative of the Year category.

Andrew Scott, Managing Director of Purplex commented: “Winning a G-Award is the highest possible accolade in the glass and glazing industry, and it’s fantastic to see Purplex clients dominating the shortlist. I wish all our clients the very best of luck and look forward to joining them for a night of celebration at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane.”

Purplex was founded in 2004 by Andrew Scott, an entrepreneur, business consultant and marketing expert who has acquired, built and sold several companies in the glass and glazing sector. Today, Purplex is the leading PR, branding and design, web development, digital marketing agency with clients across the UK, Europe and North America.

The post 11 nominations for Purplex clients at G-17 awards appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Purplex clients have dominated the G-17 shortlist with an incredible 11 nominations, including four for South East based home improvement specialists SEH BAC – the best result in the competition this year.

SEH BAC are finalists in Installer of the Year, Conservatory Installer of the Year, Customer Care Initiative of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year (Retail), rounding off an outstanding 12 months for the company.

Warm edge experts Edgetech and restrictor specialists Jackloc® both make the Component Supplier of the Year shortlist, while Wellingborough based trade fabricator Astraseal are recognised in both the Fabricator of the Year and Customer Care Initiative of the Year categories.

Sash window specialists Roseview Windows and rooflight experts Roof Maker join Astraseal in Fabricator of the Year, while Epwin Fabrications are recognised in the Training and Development Initiative of the Year category.

Andrew Scott, Managing Director of Purplex commented: “Winning a G-Award is the highest possible accolade in the glass and glazing industry, and it’s fantastic to see Purplex clients dominating the shortlist. I wish all our clients the very best of luck and look forward to joining them for a night of celebration at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane.”

Purplex was founded in 2004 by Andrew Scott, an entrepreneur, business consultant and marketing expert who has acquired, built and sold several companies in the glass and glazing sector. Today, Purplex is the leading PR, branding and design, web development, digital marketing agency with clients across the UK, Europe and North America.

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