Belgrade Polymer Products Grows In Fenestration Sector

Thermoforming specialist Belgrade Polymer Products is growing its presence in the fenestration sector as a result of increased business from one of its conservatory roof systems customers.

The Wellingborough-based company has delivered orders of two further square conservatory capping products in grey for its Gloucestershire client.

The two new Acrylic Capped ABS cappings make up a ‘suite’ of three separate products, which are variations of an existing design. These latest products comprise a Straight Connector and Stop End that is integrated into the conservatory roof and drainage system.

Belgrade Polymer Products General Manager, Patrick Burke explains: “We started off producing just one product – a Square External Boss End Capping – just over a year ago and now this has grown to three versions for this particular customer.

“Our customer liked what we’d supplied to other conservatory roof systems manufacturers in the past. Having seen our capping products on other roof systems, they liked the design, quality and finish. On that basis, we won their further business.”

Established in 1976, Belgrade offers a fast, friendly and flexible service manufacturing bespoke products to customers’ exact requirements in diverse industry sectors.

Conservatory roof trims and cappings can be produced in any RAL colour or foil finish, including a new carbon fibre-effect finish, subject to a minimum order quantity. The standard product range comprises of established and popular colours such as White, Golden Oak, Rosewood and Woodgrain.

Belgrade Polymer Products prides itself on working closely with clients to find solutions to their new concepts and can undertake the complete process of product development from design and prototype to manufacture.

Patrick adds: “In the fenestration sector, we are currently working with several customers on creating new products for conservatory roof systems, including end cappings.

“My previous experience of being employed in this industry for several market leading systems companies such as Rehau, Profile 22 Systems, Eurocell and Beaufort Secure Design is inevitably helping our business to gain an in-depth understanding of the requirements and demands of the sector.”

For more information, contact Belgrade Polymer Products on 01933 222205 or visit the website – www.belgrade-polymer.com.

Emplas has reported growth of 20% this year on the same time last year, despite tougher trading conditions.

The fabricator said that while conditions had become more challenging as the year progressed, it continued to perform as expected, against the Award Winning Window and Door Fabricator’s target growth forecasts.

This included recording significant growth in sales of foils, which it said now account for more than a quarter of all products it supplied.

Emplas also said that installers had responded positively to its switch to Optima, including the launch of its flush casement earlier this year. Emplas has also seen exponential growth in it’s Secured by Design / PAS24 Composite door offering and similar levels of growth in Inline Patio Door sales following the success of their Patiomaster Anglia operation.

Ryan Johnson, Managing Director, said: “Things are tougher. Continuing uncertainty over Brexit and the general election have created some challenges in retail but overall, we have continued to perform to expectation, something that’s been achieved on the strength of our customers’ individual growth.”

Emplas switched to Profile 22’s new Optima system in July last year, expanding its ex-stock colour range at the beginning of this year.

This cuts lead times and reduces costs, with foiled Cream, Anthracite Grey, Anthracite Grey on White, Black Brown, and Black Brown on White are now available as ex-stock standard colours.

“The impact that foils are having on the market is clear, so being able to offer highly popular colours on short-lead times has been a key driver of growth for us and our customers”, added Johnson.

This growth has also been underpinned by an ambitious investment programme. Emplas is currently close to the completion of a major extension of its operational hub which will expand its current 50,000 sq ft capacity to almost 70,000 sq ft by the autumn.

Adding around a third again to Emplas’ manufacturing facility, the new development will house new lines, loading bays and offices.

Johnson added: “We’re taking the long view. We see investment as critically important to our longer-term growth. It allows us to bring better products and deliver a higher quality of service to our customers but also to do it more efficiently.

“This is important in allowing us to offset increased costs and overheads in our own operational model without passing them onto our customers.

“We believe that this infrastructure plus our extensive product offer puts us and our customers in a position of strength as we move forward.”

For more information on Emplas visit www.emplas.co.uk , email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

The Managing Director of a UK finance provider for the home improvement industry says that many glass and glazing installers are still not fully taking advantage their service and using it to boost sales.

Austin Barcley, Managing Director of Improveasy, says there is an upward trend of consumers using finance options to upgrade their homes and by offering customers finance, installers can win more business in this market.

He comments: “Consumers are looking to transform their homes, whether it’s installing double glazing, refurbishing kitchens and bathrooms or converting a loft and they are looking to spread the cost of funding this.

“There is a misconception amongst consumers that finance must cover the entire cost of the project, when actually it can be used to fund all or part of it. That’s where installers can upsell to create the ideal solution for the homeowner.

“For example, say a homeowner has a budget of £8k to spend on a new conservatory. Rather than use the whole £8k for the conservatory which may not be the size and type they really wanted they can upgrade to a £12k conservatory, using £4k as a deposit and £8k on finance. This then leaves the customer £4k to spend on furniture and blinds etc, which means a bigger sale for you and a very happy customer.”

Improveasy provides installers with finance solutions that they can offer to homeowners.

Installers don’t need experience or a consumer credit license; companies that become Introducers (IARs) or full Appointed Representatives (ARs) will appear on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register and can then begin offering finance options under either the Improveasy brand or their own company brand.

Companies that partner with Improveasy also receive sales training and training on how best to use finance to win new business.

Austin comments: “We work across several sectors but glass and glazing is one of our fastest growing sectors. Our aim is to raise awareness of the opportunities in offering finance packages to installers and show that with Improveasy they have everything they need to win new business.

“Becoming a member is quick and easy. We will help guide your business through the process of becoming an accredited partner and you can start to benefit from offering finance to your customers within just a few weeks’ time.”

For more information please call 0800 024 8505 or visit www.improveasy.com

Picture Above: Ryan Green

Clayton Glass have just launched #theclaytondifference initiative with a view to communicating the key attributes of why the business has become one of the most respected and customer centric IGU manufacturers in the UK.

This new campaign across PR, e-mail and social media is designed to highlight many of the unique facts of the company which now boasts a capacity of 15,000 IGU’s per week. There has also been over £3million invested in the business over the last 18 months and there’s now an ability to laser etch customer logos and brand names on to IGU’s.

As one of the largest independent glass processors in the UK, Clayton have a unique position in the IGU market with an owner-managed structure that allows them to be far more adaptive and hands on than many other glass suppliers, with a distinct ‘can do’ attitude. As a glass specialist, the company also benefits from not being distracted from other business units.

The company now operates from a new £multi-million facility in County Durham serving the entire UK and has also been listed as one of the 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain.

Ryan Green, managing director of Clayton Glass commented: ‘This new initiative fully reflects the way in which we do business and that’s starts with me at the very top. We can offer tailored solutions for all business sizes and our existing customer list boasts some of the biggest and most trusted names in the industry.

He continues: ‘We’d like to think we’re business partners rather than just a typical IGU supplier and there’s a tangible point of difference. #theclaytondifference is not just about what we do, but also how we do it.’

For further information visit www.morethanjustglass.co.uk, e-mail enquiries@morethanjustglass.co.uk or call the sales office on 01207 288200. You can also add to their growing Twitter following @ClaytonGlass.

Image Above: 1st Team Squad + SEH BAC Sponsors

One of the UK’s largest installers, SEH BAC has renewed its sponsorship with Ipswich Town Football Club.

Sponsoring the Tractor Boys for more than 20 years, SEH BAC – which is part of Ipswich-based One Group Construction, are sponsoring the trainer’s bench at Portman Road for the upcoming 2017/18 Championship season.

“We’re absolutely delighted to extend our partnership with Ipswich Town,” comments John Savage, Managing Director of SEH BAC. “Ipswich Town is an incredible football club steeped in history and is a real force for good within the local community, so of course we are really happy and proud to be associated with such a fantastic football club.”

Alan Lee (left) & John Savage Managing Director of SEH BAC (right)

Rosie Richardson, Sales Director at Ipswich Town F.C. commented: “We are really pleased to work with SEH BAC for another season as the sponsor of our trainer’s bench. It’s always great to partner with well-established, local businesses like SEH BAC and provide them with the exposure sponsoring a Championship football team offers. We look forward to building on our existing partnership over the coming season.”

2017 marks a major milestone for SEH BAC, as the firm celebrates 45-years of trading in East Anglia, the South-East and the Home Counties. As well as windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries, the firm specialises in all kinds of home improvement including replacement conservatory roofs, single storey extensions and driveways.

“We are really excited for the next stage in our partnership with Ipswich Town” adds John. “Not only to do we have a great sponsorship opportunity, we are working directly with the club to offer incentives and competitions as well as creating exciting activities to say thank you to our customers and our staff also.”

For more information, call 0808 159 6310 or visit www.sehbac.com.

Safestyle UK has signed a new three-year supply agreement with Mila extending to the end of 2019. This will bring the remarkable partnership between the two businesses to more than 25 years.

Richard Gyde, Mila’s Managing Director, said: “As always, this was a very competitive negotiation up against two of the hardware sectors other big names so I’m obviously delighted that Mila has come out on top again. After so many years, it’s a fantastic testament to our ability to keep on getting better and better.”

Safestyle UK’s Operations Director Mark Scaife added: “We expect a lot from our suppliers and Mila have consistently demonstrated that they can live up to that. They share our constant drive for excellence and deserve their position as one of our key partners.”

As well as being one of the largest fabricators in the UK, Safestyle is also one of the industry’s most progressive, setting the most rigorous standards for suppliers on everything from reducing packaging to demonstrating compliance with the Ethical Trading Initiative and Modern Day Slavery Act. Mila continues to meet all of these requirements, on top of achieving guaranteed On Time In Full performance metrics of more than 99%.

As part of the preferred hardware supplier negotiations, the team from Safestyle visited Mila’s China office in order to audit Mila’s manufacturing partners. They saw for themselves the scale of the quality control operation both at Mila and at the individual factories, and witnessed the company’s dual sourcing policy in action.

Mila will continue to supply Safestyle UK with the vast majority of its window and door hardware requirements, including the new Supa stainless steel contemporary pull bars for Safestyle’s composite door range. Also part of the package are ProSecure door handles, ProStyle letterboxes, and both ProLinea espag and TBT window handles. Some of these are bespoke versions of products, developed by Mila specifically to suit Safestyle’s fabrication processes.

In signing the supply agreement, Safestyle will benefit from a favourable transparent pricing structure, which includes pre-agreed bands linked directly to currency fluctuations and commodity prices. They will also continue to receive regular advanced briefings from Mila’s technical team on upcoming changes to hardware standards and regulations which affect their market.
Richard Gyde added: “The Safestyle agreement obviously benefits both parties. It gives Safestyle guaranteed continuity of supply and improved certainty on pricing and it pushes us towards incremental product and performance improvements which are good for the whole business and in turn, I believe, for other customers as well.”

www.mila.co.uk

Thermoseal Group has donated £5,000 to GM Fundraising, raised from their event held at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which saw 10 pairs from the industry travel over to Belgium to enjoy a track day, racing their own cars around the iconic Formula 1 racetrack.

Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising comments: “Thank you to everyone at Thermoseal Group and all those who attended the event for their generous donation.  I was overwhelmed when I received a call from Gwain Paterson out of the blue, explaining they would like to donate all the proceeds from their ‘bucket list’ event to GM Fundraising.  I actually started my industry career at Thermoseal many years ago, and my brother-in-law still works there today.  I started there selling machinery, and since then the group has become one of the leading suppliers dedicated to Insulated Glass.  This personal connection only made the donation all the more special.  When influential brands such as Thermoseal Group recognise the work the team at GM Fundraising do with this kind of generosity, it is remarkable.  Thank you to everyone involved in the day.

Gwain Paterson, MD of Thermoseal Group adds: “We have followed the great work GM Fundraising do, raising money for the children and families at Hope House Children’s Hospices, which is a truly worthy cause and we recognise them as the industry’s charity.   We have enjoyed many GM Fundraising events over the years, so when it came to nominating a charity to benefit from the Spa event, GM Fundraising was the obvious choice.”

Gary concludes: “Once again, a huge thank you to all at Thermoseal Group and everyone that took part in the event.”

For more information on Thermoseal Group, visit:  www.thermosealgroup.com

For more information on GM Fundraising, visit:  www.gmfundraising.co.uk 

Distinction Doors has cemented its reputation for innovation with its nxt-gen door range. And while the time, money and waste-saving benefits to fabricators are exceptional, the level of attention to detail and intelligent design is in evidence in the benefits to homeowners too. Chantel Roach, Distinction’s Sales and Marketing Director, comments: “When we started to develop nxt-gen, our aims for the consumer were simple: take everything that’s good about our composite door at the moment and bring it to the next level.”

Distinction’s much-admired woodgrain skin is at the heart of the beauty, but this is enhanced with an inverted glazing system that provides a perfect balance with the depression mouldings and creates a symmetry that has never been seen before on a composite door, says the company.

nxt-gen doors are available in Distinction’s six most popular designs (Esteem, Eclat, Eclat Arch, Elegance, Classical and Classical Half Glazed) and the colour range includes seven pre-pigmented standard colours, including Anthracite Grey and Chartwell, plus a wealth of other colours courtesy of Distinction’s in-house paint plant. Consumers can choose glass designs from Distinction’s much-admired Distinction Glass range too to personalise their door even further.

When part of an approved doorset, the door leaf and glazing system have a proven ability to achieve Document Q compliance and PAS24:2016. Nxt-gen doors deliver the same market-leading thermal efficiency as Distinction’s Signature composite door and it achieves a weighted noise reduction of 31 decibels. The high impact GRP skin resists knocks and scratches and water resistant polymer composite rails keep weather at bay, features that are reflected in the 10 year surface warranty and 25 year structural warranty.

www.distinctiondoors.co.uk

Paul Briggs (R), MD of Watergate Flood Solutions inspects one of the new composite flood defence doors alongside Martin Porter (L), head of production.

Halo customer, Watergate Flood Solutions, has been certified with the recently-revised PAS1188 BSI Kitemark for flood protection products for its composite flood door.

Watergate, based in Hebburn, Tyne & Wear, reportedly spent 18 months honing its design and subjecting products to rigorous testing in order to achieve the accreditation, with support from Veka Group. The anti-flood specialist, which fabricates up to 50 doors every week, made the switch to Halo profile in 2015, and has been using its outer frames exclusively ever since. The most recent PAS1188 certificate will be the company’s second, having already received one for its PVC-U door models.

Rachael Radcliffe, business development manager for Watergate at Veka Group said: “We’ve been working closely with Watergate over the past year-and-a-half in trying to achieve the PAS1188 so we are very proud to have been a part of them obtaining this worthy certification. Ensuring the PVC-U profile system that their new products would be used with is of the best possible quality has been paramount throughout, which is why Halo’s reputation for excellence within the industry, for flood doors especially, seemed to be the perfect fit.

“As the demand from homeowners for safe and effective flood-resistant products increases with every wet weather forecast, it has been become more and more pertinent for companies within the door and window profile industry to really step up to the challenge. Watergate has done just that by providing not just one but two products that offer complete peace of mind when it comes to protecting our most valuable possessions and, of course, family.”

Watergate’s sales manager, Gerard Hiscock, said: “Having previously gained PAS1188 for our PVC panel doors, to now have the same accreditation for the composite flood door is a testament to the hard work of all involved and commitment to a cause that is incredibly important to an ever-increasing number of homeowners across the UK. During research, we worked extensively with authorities at both a local and national level, to make sure we were bringing something to the market that homeowners, especially those most at risk from rising water levels, could really put their trust in.

“The PAS1188 standard was updated in 2014 with even more stringent guidelines and particular attention being paid to the amount of leakage that would be deemed acceptable for any products requesting the certification, so to hold this official safety standard means our clients can share our absolute confidence in this product and Watergate as a whole. After receiving the official Kitemark certificate in March 2017, we also obtained confirmation from the BSI in June that we were the only company in the UK to have the accreditation for that type of composite flood door at that time, which was even more of a celebration.”

www.vekauk.com

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