Pelmets Just Got Quicker!

Synseal Group says it has launched the quickest and easiest to install variable pelmet on the market. Available for their K2, Global and Celsius Solid Roof systems, this refreshingly simple-to-use product gives their roof installers the edge in getting quality installations completed quickly.

The new variable pelmet system covers pitches from 12.5° to 35° and depths ranging from 300 to an impressive 1100mm, giving customers the flexibility to create the right look for every space.

The pelmet has been designed from the ground up to adapt to every roof configuration, and easily accommodates varying roof pitches and valleys seen in P and T-shaped conservatories. This highly adaptable product comes fully prepped, ready for screwing in place – enabling installations to be done in record time with minimal fuss.

Phil Parry, Head of Research and Development at Synseal Group, said:

“Our new variable pelmet gives our conservatory and orangery roof customers more flexibility to design rooms exactly to their customers’ specifications. Previously customers were limited by only being able to work with equal pitches, so we have designed a variable pelmet which is better suited for Victorian and P-shaped conservatories where pitching may vary.

“We are confident that roof customers are going to appreciate the introduction of a variable pelmet which is quicker and easier to fit than market competitors and also comes at a more affordable price. There’s no reason not to give it a try!”

To find out more information about the new variable pelmet please call 01623 444390 or email info@synseal.com.

The innovative aluPilot fitting system from Winkhaus saves aluminium window manufacturers time and money by making the fabrication process more production-friendly and efficient, says the company.

Fabricators can save up to 10 minutes’ production time per window compared to the traditional systems available on the market, according to the company’s calculations.

Multiply those 10 minutes saved per window across weekly production of several thousand windows, for example, and those time savings really start to add up, significantly reducing production costs of the entire window.

Mike Rushen, Winkhaus UK’s National Sales Manager says: “In manufacturing, time really is money. Tests conducted with manufacturers during aluPilot’s development and ensuing roll-out to European systems houses have confirmed these savings.

“aluPilot suits all types of applications, both commercial and residential. Designed as the aluminium window manufacturer’s ‘friend’, it reduces costs through efficient installation.”

Four key concepts – fastening, tooling, innovative design and handling – plus a combination of factors are behind the 10 minutes’ time-saving.

The fastening concept uses fewer screw positions, which means all the hardware parts can be joined to the sash outerframe using ‘clamp and clip technologies’. The screws don’t enter the profile, so securing components with clamps and clips makes fabrication much faster.

Connecting the sash components are drive rods, which are available in seven fixed lengths.

This eliminates preliminary work steps, such as punching and cutting connecting rods to length. All the main parts arrive already pre-assembled, so these can be installed straightaway in the window.

The aluPilot tooling concept eliminates production steps associated with inserting hardware. Two screwdrivers and an installation lever are all that’s required to install and adjust the components, so no need for time-consuming and costly machines, such as punches.

Thanks to innovative design, fitting components are installed frontally into the fitting groove of the sash or frame without the need to punch out the sash groove. As the fixed lengths are delivered cut to size, all components are simply slid into place.

Finally, there’s much less handling involved during installation as pre-installed components reduce the number of parts in a set of fittings by up to 25%. Everything is supplied pre-assembled to the manufacturer’s bespoke requirements.

Winkhaus aluPilot caters for all types of aluminium window – left or right-hung, with visible or invisible hinges and all the tilt and turn, tilt before turn or turn only options. The standard hardware can take 130 kg sash weight on the invisible hinges (or top-hung style) and can be upgraded up to 180kg. The Concept range, on visible hinges, can take 130kg. Giant, the  new upgraded range, accepts 200kg on a tilt and turn window or 300kg turn only on visible hinges.

Mike adds: “We at Winkhaus see ourselves as a partner working with system houses to make their lives easier. aluPilot is a very easy and simple system to work with. Each systems house can truly have its own bespoke window – each one saving 10 minutes to make!”

For more information, visit www.winkhaus.co.uk, contact Winkhaus on 01536 316091 or email marketing@winkhaus.co.uk.

Picture above:  Jo Reynolds (left), manager of Derbyshire Victim Services meets with Consort’s Jeff Dunn (right).

Consort Ltd is making a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged people in and around its home town of Nottingham by reassigning money previously budgeted for corporate hospitality.

The fabricator, which has long manufactured PVC-U window systems from the UK’s leading supplier VEKA Group has supported charities such as Emmanuel House – a centre for homeless people – and Fists up for Frankie; a campaign that funds treatment for neuroblastoma (an aggressive form of childhood cancer).

Jeff Dunn, Sales and Marketing Director for Consort explained: “Changes in the law introduced in 2010 left many companies questioning what forms of expenditure would subsequently be considered ‘corporate hospitality’ and what would be seen as ‘bribery’. We chose to avoid any such confusion and instead donate our hospitality budget back into the community that has contributed so much to our success since the company was established in 1950.”

Every year, Consort allocates a sizeable donation to worthy causes. This money would previously have been earmarked for corporate gifts and entertainment.

Jeff continues: “Besides helping to support the most vulnerable and marginalised citizens in and around Nottingham, we are also raising the profile of organisations that rely purely on fundraising and donations to continue their work. Emmanuel House for example, is a recognised cause in the area with a visible presence through its charity shop, but nevertheless receives no statutory funding. Conversely, some of the charities we support do not have the profile that Emmanuel House enjoys, making fundraising even more of a challenge.

“As part of this year’s budget, we have donated £600 to Remedi; a charity that provides restorative services for people affected by conflict in various settings, throughout the midlands and the north. We always ensure though, that our donations make a positive difference for people in our area, so in this case, it has been used to support people in Derbyshire to cope and recover after being victims of crime.

“We have a loyal customer base who rely on Consort for quick and efficient service and industry leading systems from VEKA Group. Every Christmas, we send each of them a letter, thanking them for their continuing support and updating them on the charity donations we have made that year. We like to think that this gives them a ‘share’ in doing something worthwhile for the community, and we’ve received no complaints for redirecting our budget in this way. Many customers have actually done something similar. We look forward to working with more local charitable organisations in the years to come, and making a difference for people who need it the most.”

To learn more about Consort Ltd, visit www.consortwindows.com

August survey data indicated that the UK construction sector continued to experience a ‘slowdown’ this summer. Reduced levels of commercial work were a key source of weakness, which offset robust growth in residential building.

There were also signs of a sustained ‘soft patch’ ahead, with new business volumes falling for the second month running. Survey respondents linked subdued demand to reduced business investment and heightened economic uncertainty. As a result, construction firms exerted greater caution in terms of their staff hiring, with employment numbers rising at the slowest pace since July 2016.

At 51.1 in August, the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) remained above the 50.0 no-change threshold for the twelfth month running. However, the latest reading was down from 51.9 in July and pointed to the weakest overall UK construction performance since August 2016. A key reason for the slowdown was reportedly a lack of new orders to replace completed projects, according the survey respondents.

Residential building was the only area to buck the overall trend in August, with housing activity found to be rising at a robust and accelerated pace since the previous month. Meanwhile, civil engineering activity was found to be ‘close to stagnation’ and commercial work is said to have dropped at the fastest pace since July 2016. Reports from survey respondents widely suggested that concerns about the UK economic outlook had weighed on the commercial development sector, with clients opting to delay spending decisions and, in some cases, scale back planned projects.

Total new order volumes dropped for the second month running in August, although the rate of contraction was only marginal and slower than seen in July. Survey respondents continued to cite reluctance to commit to new construction projects, linked to general economic uncertainty and less favourable market conditions.

On a more positive note, cost pressures were the weakest since September 2016. Survey respondents noted that exchange rate depreciation continued to drive up prices for construction materials, but some commented on successful negotiations with suppliers against a backdrop of softer market conditions.

Duncan Brock, director of customer relationships at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “The sector hit a roadblock this month as purchasing activity slowed for the third month and new business wins were hard to come by. Reduced government spending, economic uncertainty and Brexit-delayed decision-making among clients were largely to blame.

“The struggling commercial sector drove this disappointment, languishing under the pressure with the fastest drop in activity in over a year. Job creation was nothing to shout about and showed signs of a slowdown, as companies reined back additional spending.

“But any further drag on the construction sector overall was halted by the continuing strong performance by housebuilders, defying expectations with a good month. The sector was also offered some respite from the ongoing march of rising prices as input price inflation weakened.

“This good fortune in prices is unlikely to continue as suppliers scrabble to match the demand for an increasing number of materials in short supply and delivery times lengthened. Price rises will become inevitable if builders have to compete to get what they need.

“In the near-term future, without those new orders waiting in the wings, the performance of the construction sector is likely to continue to be downbeat.”

www.markit.com/product/pmi
www.cips.org

The post Weakest upturn in UK construction output for 12 months in August appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Stephen Payne and John Agnew

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has made two new appointments.

Stephen Payne, deputy managing director of Britelite Windows, has been confirmed as vice-president by the GGF Board, while Russell Day has been appointed as director of Home Improvement.

Stephen was elected for the vice-presidency by his colleagues on the Home Improvement executive and takes on the role with immediate effect.

Stephen started in the industry with Britelite Windows in January 1984 (approaching 34 years) as a junior surveyor and has grown with the company, working his way up to deputy MD with responsibilities in all areas of the business.

In 2000, Britelite Windows re-joined the GGF and Stephen started attending the Kent Surrey and Sussex regional meetings. In 2015, he served as chair of the Window and Door Group and is now chair of the Home Improvement Executive.

Stephen commented: “I am a strong believer in the ethos and values of the GGF and in improving the status of our industry which has been unjustly maligned over many years.

“With so much going on in the home improvement sector just now and with challenging times ahead, it’s important the GGF has a strong board to channel its resources effectively for the benefit of members and the industry as a whole. I am looking forward to being vice-president and will aim to provide my full support to GGF president, John Agnew, the Board and of course GGF members.”

Russell Day

Russell Day, who takes over from Brian Smith as director of Home Improvement, is a trained engineer who has worked in the window and door industry for 25 years.

As technical director at Abbott Joinery, he was reportedly involved in the development of PVC-U window and cavity closer systems. During this period he also worked in site installation, contract management and the development of supply chain procedures.

Russell next moved to an Italy based composite material systems company, before returning to the UK, where he joined the GGF as a technical officer, before becoming a senior technical officer. Russell is currently secretary of the GGF heritage window group, hardware group, insulated glass manufacturers and glazing components groups and systems house groups. He also chairs the industry’s glazing supply chain group.

On taking up his new role, Russell said: “The home improvement sector is vitally important to the GGF and I’ll ensure that our members continue to receive the best technical support and all the latest changes in government policy and legislation. I am very much looking forward to taking on this role and progressing this side of the federation’s activities.”

http://www.ggf.org.uk

The post Two new appointments at GGF appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Bohle has agreed a new kit sponsorship deal with Stalybridge Celtic’s over-sixties walking football team – Vintage Celtic.

The team, were crowned ‘championship winners’ last season in the Cheshire Walking Football League Championship Division Spring 2017.

Run by the Stalybridge Celtic Foundation, the community team provides an outlet for older players, whose days in the traditional game may be behind them but who still enjoy a good ‘kick-about’.

They previewed their new kit for the first time at the glass hardware, consumables, tools and machinery specialists, Manchester HQ in August ahead of Vintage Celtic’s first game of the new season in the Greater Manchester over 60’s monthly walking football league.

Dave Broxton, managing director, Bohle, said: “Bohle is delighted to be partnering with the Stalybridge Celtic Foundation. The aims and objectives of the foundation fit perfectly into our own philosophy of supporting community based charities.

“The Bohle team were thrilled to meet the Vintage Celtic team with the Bohle logo on their new strip. We look forward to working with the foundation in supporting community activities and initiatives in the future.”

Since its launch in 2011, walking football has enjoyed an ‘explosion in popularity’ with more than 800 clubs now registered nationwide.

Mike Smith, community development officer, Stalybridge Celtic said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bohle on board and look forward to working with them to deliver community activities. A big thank you to Dave Broxton for the sponsorship; the Vintage Celtic lads are made up with their new kit!”

www.bohle-group.com/en-gb

The post ‘You’ll never walk alone’ appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

With 30 years’ experience as a police detective and 16 years fronting the BBC’s crime prevention show Crimewatch, Jacqui Hames has joined ERA as a commentator on home security issues.  Through her monthly blog, Jacqui talks about topical home security issues and how consumers can combat home-related crime.

Joining the ERA ranks, Jacqui’s blog further strengthens ERA’s voice amongst consumer audiences. In 2016, ERA became the primary sponsor of Neighbourhood Watch and with the recent launch of ERA’s Total Security Guarantee, ERA says it has developed a ‘compelling consumer offer’ both in terms of its product range and supporting brand awareness – factors designed to support retailers selling doors and windows featuring ERA hardware.

Will Butler, ERA marketing & innovation director commented: “Jacqui has been at the coal face of crime prevention for 30 years and in that time has witnessed more home-related crimes than we could ever imagine. As a manufacturer of home security hardware, which today includes electronic security and alarms, we have an obligation to really understand how crime is evolving and also enable retailers to position ERA hardware with confidence. We’re doing this in a variety of ways which is seeing real cut through in terms of our brand profile amongst security conscious home owners – Jacqui’s voice only adds to the weight of our message.”

This year has seen ERA launch its Total Security Guarantee which is said to deliver ‘the most straightforward and generous guarantee in the market’ if its proven that ERA hardware failed in the event of a break-in. Giving homeowners a compensation cheque for £5,000, or £10,000 if the property is fitted with an ERA Invincible alarm, the guarantee is said to be ‘in stark contrast to other guarantees in the market which are layered with complex terms and small print’.

Will concluded: “ERA has long been the straight-forward, no nonsense hardware brand in the UK and today our marketing message supports that ethos. We’re delighted to have Jacqui on board, she only adds to our crime prevention kudos.”

www.eraeverywhere.com

The post ERA recruits Crimewatch’s Jacqui appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

A London based double glazing company has completed a major project that has seen a commercial building converted into modern apartments.

Technology House is set over two floors and Keepout Windows installed 150 tilt and turn windows at the property – which were dual functioning and dual-coloured uPVC.

Externally, the windows had an anthracite grey finish, lending to the feel of a modern city apartment.

Alongside this, Keepout also supplied several uPVC French Doors, which were open-out design for ground floor apartments leading on a small a patio area.

The project provides an example of commercial buildings being flipped and turned into residential properties; a trend which is happening across all major cities and towns in the UK.

Mirah Cohen, from Landcore Ltd, worked with Keep Out Windows on the project. She comments: “Keepout stand out in every way with their professionalism and enthusiasm.  Keepout is the most helpful and friendly company I have ever dealt with.  The service can’t be compared, simply amazing.”

In business since 2008, Keepout is fast becoming one of the capital’s premier installers of windows and doors and offers customers both aluminium and uPVC products.

The company are based is in Haringey in London and currently employ 15 staff.

For more information please call 020 3322 8700 or visit www.keepout-windows.co.uk

Corgi Fenestration has announced that all glazing sector staff that already carry, or are setting out to achieve, a Glass Qualifications Authority (GQA) recognised glazing NVQ can also now become Corgi Fenestration carded.

According to Corgi, it is not an extra qualification or test, it is purely recognition of ‘the best qualifications available’ – that glazing sector workers can show homeowners and employers through a personal card branded with ‘the most recognised name in the home improvement and construction sectors’.

Corgi Fenestration also recognises GQA approved in-house training courses – and staff who have completed these can also carry a Corgi Fenestration skills card – as well as trainees and experienced workers who need a temporary card.

All Corgi Fenestration carded employees qualified through a Corgi Fenestration approved centre will automatically be listed on a ‘skills register’. This allows the card to be read by a smart phone to reveal full details of qualifications held and updated with continuing professional development. The Corgi Fenestration skills card is part of the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) scheme.

Chris Mayne, Corgi Fenestration CEO, commented: “There is a bewildering number of qualifications and card schemes in our industry. Some of them are not worth the paper (or plastic) they are printed on. Some could be described as giving employers and homeowners false expectations as to the expertise of workers in their premises. Corgi Fenestration wants to change all that by recognising the best qualifications available. Corgi Fenestration is all about trust, reliability, expertise, quality and best practice – not the lowest common denominator.”

The post Get recognised with Corgi Fenestration card appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).