£5,000 For 5,000 Hours To GM Fundraising

Image Above: from left to right: Nick Dutton presenting the cheque to Gary Morton.

Brisant Secure have donated £5,000 to GM Fundraising, to celebrate the revolutionary Lock Lock door security handle surpassing an unprecedented 5,000 hour salt spray test.

GM Fundraising has been the industry’s charity of choice over the years, raising over £1.8million in the process, with the aim of achieving £2 million within the next 2 years. Several epic cycling adventures and a recent ladies only ‘Paddle2 Pedal’ event, continue to capture the imagination of all those involved, including many long-term supporters.

This donation is a fitting way to mark the fact that Lock Lock, with a bathroom furniture grade coating, has surpassed a never heard of level of durability at 5,000+ hours. Typical testing standards require 240/480 hours, which equates to an improvement of over 1,000% against other tested handles.

Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure commented: ‘We’re redefining expectations for hardware. Our aim is to develop an unrivalled product range in terms of longevity and performance, and with a new suited hardware range tooled up for production in the coming months, we’ll again be challenging convention in the sector. We felt this was a fulfilling way to mark this milestone.’

Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising concluded: ‘It’s a hugely magnanimous donation and I’d like to thank Nick, Steve and all the team at Brisant Secure for this kind gesture. It still amazes me just how the industry has adopted GM Fundraising in terms of the events we do and more importantly for the money raised for Hope House Children’s Hospices. We also have news to come in the coming weeks about our 2018 and 2019 plans.’

For further information on GM Fundraising, please visit www.gmfundraising.co.uk or follow @gmfundraising, you can also contact Gary directly at gary@gmfundraising.co.uk. For further information on Lock Lock please visit www.lock-lock.co.uk, e-mail locklock@brisant-secure.com or call 01924 410200. You can also follow them on Twitter @UltionLock.

One of the biggest growth areas predicted in the next few years is in heritage products, in particular mechanically jointed options. These types of products offer good margins for fabricators, but in order to maximise them, fabricators need to invest in the machinery that helps them drive efficiency and quality. The heritage machinery package just launched by Haffner Murat will help them do exactly that.

Dave Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner Murat, commented: “Heritage and mechanically jointed products offer exciting opportunities for fabricators, but the biggest returns will be seen by those who harness what automation has to offer. Our heritage machine package provides the machinery needed to mill and weld these niche products efficiently and precisely from as little as £189.00 per week on finance (subject to status).”

The heritage machinery package consists of a FA356 Milling Station and a KC258/10 Welder. The FA356 Milling Station can mill two joints in one operation: 45 degree and 90 degree milling is carried out in one pass for the butt joint finish of the outer face. The KC258/10 Welder recreates the traditional mechanical butt joint on the welded corner and an internal seamless weld which enhances the overall appearance of flush sash windows.

Haffner Murat prides itself on its high proportion of repeat customers who turn to the machinery specialists when they need to upgrade or expand production. Its machines help fabricators of all sizes and its large R&D department means it’s in a position to work with fabricators to take new machinery ideas from concept to reality in as little as 12 weeks, helping to keep them ahead of the curve. According to Haffner, it delivers exceptional levels of service from pre-sale consultancy to determine the right machine for a fabricator’s needs to comprehensive training that ensures businesses can see the benefits of machines straightaway.

www.haffnermurat.com

When designing high quality retirement properties, it is important to strike the balance between the provision of practical spaces that facilitate independent living and an attention to detail which meets the needs of a generation where style is important.

So when contractors SEH Commercial were asked to specify the windows and doors for a retirement complex on the Essex coast, they opted for grey laminated TOTAL70 windows and doors from REHAU for a both practical and stylish finish to the vibrant Beaumont House development.

Beaumont House is a new build apartment block of 60 one and two-bedroom apartments, situated in the historic coastal town of Walton-on-the-Naze. Built on the former site of the Martello Caravan park, the complex is close to shops, cafes, local transport links and amenities and provides high quality yet affordable modern homes for the over 55s.

Architects for Beaumont House, EJ Taylor, created a contemporary and modern look for the retirement complex, with the use of colour louvers next to grey windows to add interest and vibrancy to the exterior of the building. The use of large windows with fixed side lights and patio doors leading onto private terrace areas were integral to the design and flood living spaces with natural light.

With a growing reputation in the residential care sector, SEH Commercial were brought in to work on the specification and fit the windows and doors at Beaumont House.

Sales Director, SEH Commercial, Tim Hoelzer said: “The architects had come up with a very contemporary design for the retirement complex and they wanted windows which would complement the look and feel of it yet also deliver on their performance specification. REHAU’s TOTAL70 windows fitted the bill and we were able to use both window and door profiles from the range, for a continuity of design across the development.”

The TOTAL70 Window and Door System offers a range of multi-chambered profiles, designed to meet the requirements of the new build, commercial and domestic refurbishment markets. SEH Commercial specified 124

TOTAL70 tilt and turn windows plus 67 patio doors for the Beaumont House project, all with an anthracite grey laminate finish.

Suitable for both internal and external use, foil colours are durable, scratch resistant and easy to clean, so they stay looking newer for longer. The laminate is also resistant to UV light, heat and the weather, so the colour won’t deteriorate or fade over time.

The grey foil for the Beaumont House complex gives the windows and doors the modern look of aluminium, but because they are still PVC-U, they don’t have all the associated drawbacks of aluminium such as the higher cost, reduced thermal efficiency.

The windows for the development all have a tilt and turn opening, which offers residents the option of either gently ventilating their living spaces with the tilt, or using the wider turn opening for circulating greater amounts of air. This style of window is also easy to keep clean as the outside of the window can be cleaned from inside.

Tim continues: “Because the apartments were for the retired community, the architects had a very definite idea of the areas where the windows would need to perform. For example, the windows had to be very energy efficient to help reduce fuel costs for residents and ensure a comfortable environment throughout the year; they had to be very secure; and because of the central location of the development, the windows also needed to minimise sound from outside.”

TOTAL70 windows incorporate double glazed sealed units, which considerably reduce outdoor noise levels, they achievethe British Standard BS7950 and PAS 24 security standards to ensure peace of mind for vulnerable residents, and they are A-rated for thermal efficiency.

Kevin O‘Neill from REHAU said: “The Beaumont House development shows that REHAU profiles offers both aesthetics and a commitment to style, as well as delivering on the practical features that architects demand like security and energy efficiency. The windows in the complex are a stunning addition to the contemporary architecture, yet provide residents with the performance they need for a comfortable and happy retirement.”

The chronic shortage of skills in the construction sector is impacting the UK both at a frontline construction level and at a strategic corporate level. The construction industry and The Chartered Institute of Marketing are taking action with the CIM Foundation Certificate in Marketing for Construction.

This customised Foundation Certificate in Marketing is the CIM’s first sector-specific marketing programme, designed and written in collaboration with volunteer members of the Construction Industry Group.

In producing this course, both organisations are recognising that generalist marketing training cannot provide adequate insight into this most complex and critical industry.  The combination of the rigour of the CIM with the practical, hands-on experience of the construction sector specialists, creates a tailored, relevant qualification that will be much in demand.

The flexible teaching programme is delivered largely online, over an eight-month period with a number of face-to-face workshops – perfect for a modern work life balance. In addition, each delegate will be provided with an industry expert mentor, whose role is to support the learning process, providing insight that goes beyond both the classroom and the student’s own workplace.

Enrolment for the 2018 programme is open now, with confirmed bookings to be received by the closing deadline of March 20.  Further information and course booking details can be seen here https://cimacademy.co.uk/qualifications/sector-specific-qualifications/l3-foundation-certificate-in-marketing-for-the-construction-industry/

Chris Daly, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), adds: “A CIM qualification gives a solid grounding for a marketing career and professional marketing is a recognised driver of business growth.  I am delighted that CIM has partnered with the

construction sector to address the marketing skills gap and enable new marketers to gain the right skills and behaviours needed to contribute to the growth of an absolutely vital industry.”

Designed as a self-contained building for use all year round, the composite wood Garden Room gives installers the opportunity to offer householders extra space in an attractive, low-maintenance package – and then upsell with complementary products.

Available from Eurocell – the fastest growing specialist building products network in the UK – the Garden Room requires no planning permission and takes only two days to erect at any time of year, provided it is dry.

The result is a highly versatile space that can be a home office, workshop, bar or a ‘play-cave’ – place to relax and unwind away from it all. And it is made with recycled composite wood walls with a core of insulation – up to three times more than timber alternatives –  to keep the space warm and energy efficient.

This energy efficiency is reinforced with 100mm thick cellular foam insulation in the roof, ‘A’ energy rated Eurocell double glazed windows and Eurocell French doors that are both elegant and secure thanks to high security, multipoint locking.

And homeowners can choose between two versions: a standard room or one with a canopy and integral decking area.

Once the base is laid, the garden room is quick to assemble using tools found in any toolbox: hand drill, handsaw, jigsaw, 17mm spanner, 4mm hex bit, Phillips head bit and a hammer. The Garden Room is supplied with all windows, doors, fascias, soffits, a pre-routed electrical socket board and self-finished walls, so there is no need for any painting or decorating.

Homeowners can enjoy their new room in the knowledge that it comes with a 25-year guarantee and that there will be no need to paint, stain or seal the composite wood exterior and that the PVC-U door and window frames just need cleaning.

Doors and windows are supplied in either Anthracite Grey or White and the composite wood panels can be chosen in four colours: Ancient Black, Wild Brown, Salt Lake Silver or Antique Ash. Five sizes of room are available – 3316mm x 2316mm, 3316mm x 3316mm, 4862mm x 2316mm, 4862mm x 3316mm and 6408mm x 3316mm.

Other outdoor products can be had from Eurocell branches nationwide – such as timber-alternative decking, fencing and balustrades – all of which complement the Garden Room.

For more details, visit www.eurocell.co.uk/garden-rooms or call the Customer Care team on 0800 988 3049.

Developers constructing a block of luxury apartments in an exposed and beautiful location on the Isle of Man chose Eurologik doors and windows from Eurocell to provide the premium appearance and robust performance required.

Lakeside Apartments is a four-storey shoreline development of eight three-bedroom apartments in Ramsey. It has views over Mooragh Park Lake on the landward side and across the sea to the mountains of the Lake District on the other. To make the most of these views and increase the natural light, Seymar Developments designed the apartments with five sets of patio doors opening onto balconies or patios, and two windows.

Eurologik was chosen on the advice of the main contractor, Fairway Construction, because of its high thermal performance, the lack of maintenance required and because it could resist exposure to salt.

“We’re a long-term customer and have dealt with Eurocell for a good number of years,” explains director Jonathan Cowley. “We have always found its products to be high quality and competitively priced. The apartments achieved a very good result in the airtightness testing, and that requires high quality windows and doors as well as overall attention to detail in the general build.”

The doors and windows scored 2.71m³/(h.m²) at a pressure difference of 50Pa when tested for air permeability and so were nearly twice as airtight as required by Part L of the 2013 Building Regulations.

The exposed marine location of the apartments made low-maintenance PVC-U the material of choice as it is not prone to rot or corrosion like the timber or metal alternatives and, being A-rated, the doors and windows keep in the heat despite occasional high winds. The doors and windows were supplied with chrome furniture in Anthracite grey on white to complement the slate stonework at ground floor level, together with white Eurocell fascias and soffits.

Offering a versatile range of window and door styles that can be tailored to suit any project, the Eurologik range includes casement, reversible, tilt-and-turn and French windows, as well as residential entrance doors and bi-fold doors. These can be customised with a whole comprehensive range of colours, woodgrain finishes and decorative options, including Scotia and ovolo beads, mock horn sashes, arched tops and Georgian bars.

Ideally suited for new build in sensitive areas, the Eurologik window has clean sight lines due to its unobtrusive gasket line and slim profile. Its 70mm front-to-back dimension makes it the perfect choice as a replacement window because it fits the same opening as a timber frame.

Also available with chamfered beads, the advanced multi-chambered design of the Eurologik system (including optional six-chamber slim outer frame system) and innovative recycled PVC-U thermal inserts work together to lock in heat.

These windows were amongst the first to achieve the ‘A++’ band in England & Wales for Window Energy Ratings (WERs) since the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) launched the new rating in May 2015. The ‘A++’ rating is only given to those windows achieving an energy index value equal to or greater than +20.

www.eurocell.co.uk

Bosch is offering a cordless edge router GKF 12V-8 Professional and a cordless planer GHO 12V-20 Professional in the 12 V segment for the first time.

The Flexible Power System from Bosch ensures compatibility with all existing power tools and chargers within the same voltage class. The 12 V system currently comprises of more than 30 tools, including multi-cutters,jig saws, hand-held circular saws, saber saws and different cordless screwdrivers.

The cordless edge router and planer are suitable for tradespeople working on interior wood finishing and kitchen installations, window, stairway or furniture manufacturing where control and flexibility is important. The tools are well-balanced, ergonomic and compact, which is made possible by the 12 V system as well as the use of EC technology.

The Bosch GKF 12V-8 Professional cordless edge router stands out thanks to its comfortable handling when working on edges and edge bands. The handle is narrow and ergonomic so that the cordless edge router can be conveniently operated with one hand.

Weighing only 1.1 kg, the tool is incredibly light. The base plate is designed to have as much contact with the workpiece as possible. This combination ensures tilt-proof handling.

The Bosch GHO 12V-20 Professional cordless planer is comparable to a traditional hand-held planer in terms of weight and size, meaning it offers tradespeople familiar handling characteristics. Its ergonomic design provides comfortable handling and balance, optimised for one hand use. At a cutting depth of 1 mm, the optimum cutting width of the cordless planer is 40 mm, the maximum cutting width is 56 mm.

Both tools come delivered in the new L-Boxx 136, which makes it easier for professionals to transport and store them. Thanks to the optimised click system, the L-Boxxes can now be opened when stacked – and can be quickly connected and disconnected with just one hand.

Prices for the GKF 12V-8 Professional start at £139.00 and £189.00 for the GHO 12V-20 Professional. These prices are recommended retail prices excluding VAT and are subject to change.

According to Epwin Window Systems, increasing numbers of fabricators are choosing its Spectus, Profile 22, PatioMaster, Swish and Safeware brands. Gerald Allen, Epwin Window Systems’ Marketing Manager, said: “We’re delighted to see how many fabricators are coming on board across the various businesses because our aim is to always offer a package that delivers our customers a clear competitive advantage.”

Spectus, Profile 22, PatioMaster, Swish and Safeware product ranges are all well-established and offer market-leading credentials. Epwin has just launched the Frontier range of composite doors leaves too, making the offering even more complete. Add in the UK manufacturing base, the highest quality standards and a commitment to sustainability and you have an unbeatable combination, says Epwin.

The brands share common ancillaries, which makes dual sourcing a practical and efficient option and delivers lower stockholding. Gerald commented: “Market research suggests that many fabricators are choosing to dual source to give themselves the range they need. Our own figures tell us that many of our new customers are choosing to single source from us because they can get everything they need from a single business.”

The brands offer market penetration in all sectors, including trade, retail and commercial, and its technical teams are on hand to deliver fabricators technical support wherever they need it.

There is also the unrivalled marketing support that Epwin can deliver, not least of which is the ground-breaking membership programme Excellence as Standard.

www.epwin.co.uk