Awards season hits Brisant

Brisant Secure have become the first company in the glazing and fenestration industries to receive an award at the internationally recognised Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), sponsored by Secured by Design.

In the Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer category, Brisant was chosen out of a list of 10 companies in total, having put together a strong award entry featuring the pioneering Ultion and revolutionary Lock Lock products.

Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure said: “We’re a proud Secured by Design member and so awards such as the OSPA’s are not only driven by us from a product security, design and innovation perspective, but also by the very values of their initiative to design out crime. With Lock Lock and Ultion we’re challenging convention with outstanding product features, desirability, real life security and unrivalled longevity.”

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Customade Group has announced the appointment of David Leng as Group Chief Executive. David’s appointment is effective as of 1 February, succeeding John Lightowlers who continues with the firm in a non-executive capacity. David is highly experienced within the windows and doors industry, with a proven track record of growing multi-site manufacturing and distribution companies. He joins from Synseal Group, where as chief executive he took the company from a £70m manufacturer of window profiles and conservatories, to become a £160m multi-channel, multi-material market-leading business in the window, glass, roof and door sectors. Using a mix of acquisition, disposal, turnaround and organic growth, over the last 16 years David has led the transformation of several complex manufacturing businesses with turnovers ranging from £20m to £300m. His early career in sales and marketing has generated an expertise in product and channel development, which has resulted in numerous business and personal achievement awards. Customade has benefitted from considerable investment in the last 12 months and David’s expertise will be instrumental in scaling the business and generating further growth, to ensure that the company fulfils its potential.

In the year since Customade merged with Polyframe, John Lightowlers, Customade’s retiring Group Managing Director, and his team have created the UK’s largest trade fabricator of PVC-U, aluminium and composite windows and doors. He has overseen the successful consolidation of the four acquired businesses, to create a £100 million company that operates nationwide, with nine manufacturing facilities and over 900 employees. In parallel, he has led a period of intensive investment and change, where each manufacturing unit has been significantly expanded or upgraded and he has developed the product range to create six clearly differentiated offerings, each with its own distinct identity to meet the entire fenestration needs of the UK installer market.

ohn has been instrumental in establishing and settling a strong management team and maintaining the quality of offering, service and innovation that differentiates Customade from its competitors. The Board of Customade is delighted that John, having chosen to be less active in the management of the company going forward, will continue to be involved as a non-executive director in the next phase of its growth. Supported by Customade’s management team, David Leng is tasked to drive the business forward, doubling its scale to build a company with a turnover in excess of £200 million in the medium term. He commented: “I am delighted to be joining Customade – it offers exactly the type of opportunity that motivates me. It is at a really exciting point in its development and is ready to capitalise on its numerous growth opportunities. We have ambitious goals to fulfil and Customade is well structured, with strong investor support, exceptional products, first-rate employees and a well-deserved reputation for superior service. I look forward to leading the next phase of its development.”

John Lightowlers, Group Managing Director, said: “The merger with Polyframe was the culmination of an ambition to grow my business into the successful enterprise that it is today. To have achieved so much and with the support of a great team fills me with pride. At the time of the deal, I committed to stay for as long as was needed to ensure that the merger transitioned well, to give the management team the support that they required during a period of intense change and to prepare the company to fulfil its potential. Customade is well positioned for the next stage in its development and so this seems the natural point for me to pass the baton to David and to continue my support as a non-executive member of the Board.” David Moore, Customade’s Chairman said: “On behalf of all at Customade, I would like to welcome David and thank John for his drive and unstinting commitment over the last year. Our current industry standing is testament to the great company and great team that he built. We are delighted that we will continue to benefit from his ongoing contributions to the Board.”

The post David Leng, Group Chief Executive of The Customade Group appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

As Veka Group’s Head of Partner Programmes, Karen Lund knows that local, independent installers are some of the most professional in the country. So how do Veka and Independent Network help them compete on a level with the industry’s bigger players?

As consumers, the majority of us might prefer to shop local. Whether it’s supporting your local butcher rather than nipping to the supermarket, or using an independent garage instead of pulling into one of the national chains. It makes us feel good and, more often than not, we’re likely to experience higher levels of service, and benefit from local knowledge, experience and specialist skills.

The same goes for tradespeople. But when it comes to choosing a local company to carry out work on your home, it can be slightly more tricky. How do homeowners know where to look, or whom to trust? That’s where Veka Group comes in. We are committed to supporting installers up and down the country, helping them reach out to the greatest number of potential customers in the most effective ways. We strive to continuously meet the needs of our customers and their customers, to achieve a chain of customer satisfaction so strong that it ensures continued repeat business for everyone involved. We address what our installers have told us they want (to prove their high standards, to set themselves apart from their competition, quality sales leads and products that seal the sale) and what their customers want (peace of mind, professional work, and tradespeople that have been reviewed highly by others). Our installer support has been developed in partnership with our customers, to make sure we provide everything they need to succeed; Veka customers of all types can benefit from marketing support, sales training, technical advice, lead generation programmes and much, much more.

The Veka Group Installer Programme offers marketing support for all installers of Veka and Halo systems. Companies can access professionally designed adverts, leaflets and brochures, and build their reputation on Veka’s as a globally renowned brand. These can even be personalised via our marketing portal, so installers can get bespoke, branded items at a fraction of the cost they might expect. Veka Group is proud to provide the perfect product for every project, but we know that it means little without the ‘backup’ to go with it. Installers can offer potential customers a wealth of systems, styles, colours, woodgrains, energy ratings and more, and Veka is happy to assist with technical help and more, to take the project right from concept to completion. Independent Network is the pinnacle of our installer support package. It offers so many benefits to installers and to homeowners, that member companies tend to achieve significantly higher than average order values. This is largely down to the fact that homeowners can invest with confidence, thanks to the insurance-backed guarantee and the reviews prominently displayed on members’ websites. There’s even a range of consumer finance options to choose from.

Independent Network allows local, independent firms to act as part of a bigger group, with shared marketing, impressive buying power (especially from IN affiliate suppliers) and a reputation for quality workmanship or “Networkmanship” that is recognised across the country. By ‘banding together’ these companies can achieve much more than they could alone, without losing their individual brand identity. We encourage member companies to come together for training events and such, to discuss business, share ideas and celebrate their success. The ‘big event’ on the calendar this June is our annual Members’ Weekend. This year, the conference will be hosted by Business Consultant Specialist Jeff Grout, who is listed among the 100 best business speakers in Britain, and we’ll be joined by Football Presenter Chris Kamara to present the evening’s awards at the black-tie Gala Dinner. The conference will provide another opportunity to showcase the new online marketing portal, where Veka and Halo installers (not just IN members) can find a one-stop-shop full to bursting with marketing support, using a single sign-in. No more remembering multiple usernames and passwords!

Depending on your level of access, installers can potentially access; a leads dashboard to manage all sales enquiries, a professional image library with hundreds of high res shots, a web-to-print platform with bespoke and standard items (including digital resources), the ability to manage your IN website with customer reviews and news releases from the portal, a news feed from Veka including offers/promotions etc, templated contracts and much, much more. In fact, there’s never been a better time to join IN as the evolution from Network Veka to Independent Network has prompted a significantly increased spend on consumer advertising and PR, and this surge in nationwide publicity for the brand will reflect on members’ businesses by association. So, there you have it. It is possible to #ShopLocal and enjoy peace of mind, fail-safe guarantees and staged payment options. And, as Veka Group customers, it is possible for installers to retain their company’s unique, local identity and rely on the strength and experience of an industry-leading, global partner.

The post #ShopLocal support appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Distinction Doors has further strengthened its business development team with the appointment of an experienced industry woman, Gillian Coldwell, in the position of Business Development Executive.

Speaking of the appointment, Chantel Roach, Distinction’s Sales and Marketing Director said, “Gillian is well-known in the industry and we are delighted to welcome her to Distinction Doors. Her industry knowledge, commitment and sales expertise will allow us to extend our market reach even further as we continue to grow our business”.

In her appointment, Gillian will be responsible for developing sales opportunities for Distinction’s impressive range of composite doors with both existing and new fabricating partners throughout Yorkshire and Scotland.

Commenting on her appointment, Gillian said: “I am delighted to join Distinction Doors at such an exciting time. The company is renowned for the success of their composite doors and has gained an enviable reputation in the industry.   Products such as nxt-gen and the Distinction Glass range offers superb new business opportunities for fabricators and I am looking forward to working with both existing and new customers to maximise the opportunities in the growing composite door market.”

Gillian brings 30 years of industry experience with her having previously held positions with TWR Bifolds and hardware suppliers Avocet and Fab&Fix.

Distinction Doors is the UK’s largest supplier of composite doors. It is known for leading the way in the composite door sector and Gillian’s expertise and experience will further support an already talented and committed team.

www.distinctiondoors.co.uk

Join us on the UK Pavilion for “An Afternoon G&T” sponsored by RegaLead

The GGF is delighted to announce that RegaLead will sponsor the British Reception – “A Very British Afternoon G&T” on the UK Pavilion (Hall 4a Stand 305) at Fensterbau Frontale 2018.

RegaLead, Europe’s colour experts and paint manufacturers for the glass and glazing industry, who are also one of 12 co-exhibitors on the UK Pavilion, will be showcasing their cutting edge ColorSpray Aqua glass and PVC-U paint technology.

Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director commented on the sponsorship of the British Reception, “We are delighted to be sponsoring the British Reception at Fensterbau. It promises to be a unique event that will promote our brand to both international and UK visitors to the UK Pavilion.”

The GGF and all the co-exhibitors are now all set for an extremely busy week (21-24 March) at Fensterbau Frontale, the world’s largest window exhibition held every two years in Nuremberg, Germany.

With 200 square metres showcasing the best of British, the GGF is hosting the UK Pavilion, taking the theme “Britain Means Business” to the international industry and bringing together 12 prominent UK brands who will be presenting and demonstrating their latest products and services.

The British Reception An afternoon of G&T” will provide the ideal networking platform for visitors to Fensterbau to meet some of the best British companies in the industry.

The British Reception will take place on Thursday 22^nd March starting at 2.00pm to 6.00pm at the UK Pavilion Stand 305, Hall 4a for more information please contact the GGF marketing team by email marketing@ggf.org.uk.

Epwin Glass draws on the company’s 30 years of experience in glass manufacture as it continues to support fabricators and installers throughout the UK. This depth of experience is beautifully illustrated in its decorative glass offering, which includes colours, textures, leaded, stained, bevelled and Georgian style options. Katrina Earl, Epwin Glass National Sales Manager, commented: “At Epwin Glass we assemble insulated glass units to exacting quality standards offering a comprehensive range of decorative glazing options to enhance and add character. There is even a bespoke service when a specific individual effect is required.”

The Epwin Glass leaded glass range is a comprehensive collection of traditional leaded designs, suitable for windows, doors and conservatories. Designs incorporate geometrical elements, such as squares and diamonds and include familiar period styles, such as Gothic and Queen Anne. Bevel designs are available too, which provide an added dimension to their offering.

For coloured and stained glass window units, Epwin’s skilled craftspeople recreate an original stained glass appearance using darkened lead as standard and colour-fast UV filtered colour film.

Epwin Glass has an attractive range of quality manufactured Georgian style units, including gothic arches, sun bursts and cottage style designs. The range is available in two variations: Georgian and Interbar. All units are assembled in-house by the company’s skilled workforce. In each case, the Georgian pattern is carefully drawn and laid out to ensure alignment with adjacent windows and create a high quality result.

Epwin Glass is one of the leading manufacturers of insulated and energy-rated glass units for the window industry and supplies the trade, light commercial, new build and social housing sectors. Alongside the decorative glass, there is also noise insulation, safety and security, self-cleaning, solar control and thermal insulation glass.

All products are manufactured in the UK in their production facilities in Northampton and comply with relevant legislation and window energy ratings (WERs) for complete peace of mind.

The Epwin Group is renowned for its expertise and ability to deliver high quality products and services. It’s a reputation that’s perfectly demonstrated in Epwin Glass’s decorative glass expertise.

www.epwin.co.uk

The TWR Group announced late last year that it would roll-out ‘never seen before’ lead times to give installers dual-coloured bi-folding doors within fifteen working days.

This new initiative went live at the end of February (2018) and the group’s managing director Terry Richardson said that they have been inundated with enquiries, with the forward order book showing the business is on course for its busiest ever quarter of trading.

The lead times are said to have been made possible thanks to sustained investment in the required machinery and personnel. The colour plant is housed at TWR’s most recently acquired 17,000sq. ft. factory, which is next to its 25,000sq. ft. headquarters in Peterlee.

The post Record-breaking fabricator anticipates busy trading period appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Image Above: Bioclimatic Pergolas

Outdoor living specialists the Milwood Group have strengthened their range of aluminium verandas, canopies and carports. The Kent-based firm has become the UK distributor of premium, bioclimatic pergolas from renowned French manufacturer Solisysteme.

Combining contemporary style and dependable durability, the Solisysteme range features the original bioclimatic pergola – a unique shelter solution which uses adjustable louvres to accommodate all weather conditions.

“We’re really pleased to partner with Solisysteme and offer both fabricators and installers their fantastic range of deluxe pergola solutions,” comments Mark Wood, Managing Director at the Milwood Group. “Their solutions make a fantastic addition to our product line, providing tradespeople with intelligent, well-made and easy to install solutions that can support the demand for both premium home improvements as well as luxury outdoor living products.”

“Pergolas, as well as verandas and canopies are well-placed to complement large-span bifold or patio doors to create an outdoor living space that’s useable all-year-round. They provide a fantastic upselling opportunity for installers and a profitable route to market as renovations extend outside the home to include gardens and outside spaces.”

Available in a full range of sizes, pitches and colours to match any size or style of property, a Solisysteme pergola can be fully customised to include zip screens and adjustable lateral louvres. Depending on the application or budget, the system can be customised further with integrated lighting, infrared wall-mounted heaters and glass panels to create a fully-enclosed luxury glass room.

The new range of pergolas joins Milwood’s full collection of aluminium verandas, canopies, carports and glass rooms. Manufactured in the UK using Milwood’s bespoke aluminium extrusions, the range is available with fast turnarounds thanks to the firm’s centrally located distribution centre in Leicestershire.

For more information call the Milwood Group on 0330 404 9086 or visit www.milwoodgroup.com

Trade and commercial fabricator Astraseal and spacer bar specialists Technoform Glass Insulation (TGI®) are celebrating a remarkable manufacturing achievement.

In less than five years, TGI has supplied Astraseal with over one million metres of warm edge spacer bar. If laid out flat in a straight line, the 1.2 million metres would equate to approximately 750 miles in length – or from Astraseal’s HQ in Wellingborough, all the way to Venice.

Astraseal’s continued success has meant their orders of TGI®-Spacer have grown every single year, with an average year-on-year increase of 11%. The firm, which specialises in a full range of glazing products across uPVC and aluminium, currently produces over 3,000 sealed units every week.

“Our sealed unit manufacture makes up a vital and successful part of our business, allowing us to ensure a quality product and control our entire supply chain, delivering turnarounds that exceed customer expectations,” comments Colin Stanley, Operations Director at Astraseal.

“Reaching this milestone with our order quantities increasing year-on-year, shows not only how fast our IGU manufacture has grown but also the high regard our products and services are held in. We achieve this through constantly investing in our business to deliver a greater overall service for our customers. That includes investing in new machinery, greater facilities and high-specification components from incredible brands like TGI.”

In recent months, Astraseal has made several high-profile investments to bolster its sealed unit production. The firm purchased a brand-new bar bender which can bend aluminium, steel or warm edge spacer every 28 seconds. This means Astraseal can bend an impressive 1,000 bars on a single nine-hour shift. They have also purchased an intelligent desiccant filler which brings ultimate precision to Astraseal’s operation.

David Kimberley, Product Manager at TGI comments: “We would like to congratulate Astraseal on this fantastic achievement. It’s great to see our products helping one of the industry’s most proactive and respected fabricators grow from strength to strength. We anticipate further success in our partnership together, as we rapidly approach two million metres.”

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