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Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions says it is celebrating its best month ever for sales of its lantern roofs, rooflights and Skyroom mock orangery system, reportedly pulling in 40% more sales compared to the same period last year.

And after this ‘record-breaking’ month, Atlas says it is now ‘well on course to smash more sales records before the end of the year’.

Gareth Thomas, sales and marketing director at Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, explained: “It’s been a fantastic period for the business and we are absolutely delighted with this record performance which shows that we know a thing or two about glazed roofing!

“There are lots of glazed roofing products on the market but the Atlas roof system still remains the best out there. It’s gained an envied reputation for being the strongest, best looking and most thermally efficient roof available and a growing number of homeowners are asking for an Atlas roof by name, which is a fantastic affirmation of our brand.

“Escalating consumer demand has led to our record-breaking month and affirms our position as a major player in the industry. We are focused on the needs of our customers and we’re incredibly proud to have created a very elite, and rapidly growing, network of Atlas installers who’ve seen their sales rocket with Atlas. This exciting brand gives them everything they need to stand out in the market and win lucrative business.

“We talk installer language and we know that a huge advantage for installers, is what these products can do for their profitability. Combining all the looks and performance that homeowner’s desire with the ease of installation that installers demand, means that our range delivers a far greater profit margin than its rivals. In such a competitive industry, we bring an exciting new source of revenue for installers, helping them to win longer term, lucrative business.

“As soon as a customer sees an Atlas product, they’re impressed with its unique modern appearance and very slim sightlines which really set it apart from its rivals. With a 70% slimmer profile than other systems, no chunky boss or hood and no low rod bar, it’s easy to see why our glazed roofing products are a dream to sell.”

www.atlasroofsolutions.co.uk

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As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, the pace of life for UK homeowners takes a noticeable dip as we try to apply some hygge to our lives, according to new research by Velux.

Nearly two thirds of UK homeowners admit that their pace of life is slower during the winter compared to the summer. That gentler pace of life is perhaps due to the fact that more than eight in 10 UK homeowners spend more time indoors at home during the winter compared to the summer.

Given the move from outdoors to indoors, homeowners are increasingly looking to realise the potential of their homes for winter by making a number of lifestyle and interior changes which are more synonymous with the well-known Danish trend of hygge. Pronounced ‘hue-guh’, this is the Danish coined phrase that can be translated simply as ‘cosiness’ in English.

As homeowners prepare to get cosy at home, Velux has teamed up with ‘interior design influencer’, Hege, to offer some top tips on creating some hygge happiness at home.

Grant Sneddon, product manager from Velux says the way we live in our homes has changed significantly over recent years.

He said: “As the nights draw in, our homes take on even more significance to the quality of our lives. Given the amount of time we spend indoors during the winter months, we like to try to create an environment that is warming and cosy. It’s all part of an increased desire by homeowners to turn their homes into sanctuaries, and invest in creating spaces that make a positive impact on our lives. That’s why trends like hygge, from our company homeland in Denmark, have really caught on in the UK in recent years.”

UK-based interior design blogger and stylist, Hege Morris of Hege in France, shares how you can create some hygge happiness in your home.

She said: “Mood lighting is essential to the hygge philosophy. Candles and cosy blankets are a must when we want to create a warm atmosphere in our homes. Hygge is much more than that though. It is about spending time together, maybe bake a cake or play a board game. It’s all about simple pleasures and enjoying each other’s company, friends or family. Put phones and tablets away and have fun together.”

www.velux.com

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As a longstanding supplier of processed glass, with a heritage that spans almost 35 years, Regency Glass is a leading industry name. Based in Leigh, Lancashire, they have worked determinedly over the years to establish and sustain a reputation of distinction in quality and service. Seriously passionate about its brand, commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, Regency were looking for a certification provider with the relevant industry knowledge and expertise who could deliver on regulatory compliance and would engage with the Regency ethos – which is why they’ve made the switch to CENSolutions.

Debra Fitzmartin, Quality Manager at Regency Glass explains: “Delivering on quality and service has and always will be priority for Regency Glass. Product accreditations and a relevant Quality Management System provide the infrastructure to ensure continued customer confidence in Regency Glass and its product range. Regency first attained accreditation on sealed units some 25 years ago, with accreditation on the tempered safety glass range following just four years later. Compliance is as important today as it has always been so we believed it was important to challenge ourselves and seek an industry focussed compliance partner, who could provide the most effective support and guidance. After meeting with Wayne and the team at CENSolutions it was clear that they fit the brief and are the kind of provider we consider, will actively meet Regency’s and our customers’ needs.

“After a period of recent investment, we have expanded our manufacturing capabilities and our product offering as a result and are excited about what the future has in store for Regency Glass. We are delighted that CENSolutions will be working with us as we embark on this next phase and will be on hand for Regency and our customers should we need them.”Wayne Rogerson, Joint Managing Director of CENSolutions adds: “We are absolutely delighted to partner with Regency Glass for all of their certification requirements. They have a fantastic reputation in the market place, which I believe is based on their commitment to quality products and service. They embrace the standards and strive to be on the front foot with legislation in order to support their customers. They have a really knowledgeable and experienced team and we are looking forward to working with them closely in the future to ensure their customers are getting the very latest information and support when it comes to compliance.”

www.censolutions.com  www.regencyglass.co.uk

Hurst Plastics’ has been announced as the recommended ongoing supplier of PVCu door panels for customers who have previously bought from Phoenix Doors. The move follows the announcement by parent company Masco UK Window Group that Phoenix Doors is to cease production of door panels.

Hurst Plastics, which currently manufactures more than 2,000 door panels a week at its dedicated factory in Kingston-upon-Hull, will fulfil orders for former Phoenix Doors customers from 3 November. These increased volumes will cement Hurst Plastics’ position as the UK’s largest manufacturer of door panels.

Mark Atkinson, Hurst Plastics’ Sales Director, says: “We know that the panel market is mature and declining, but sales of Hurst Plastics’ door panels have actually grown for the last four years – albeit modestly. This performance shows that there is still demand for door panels, despite the growing popularity of composite doors, and we intend to continue supporting door panels while that demand is still there.

“Customers continue to buy panels from us because we have always invested in the range and we provide a dedicated support package for it. We’ve also helped the door panel to keep up with changing consumer tastes by constantly introducing new styles and colours. Our Modern Collection, for instance, emulates the look of a composite door and features a contemporary stainless steel trim which is very appealing.

“We are pleased to be chosen to support Masco with their ongoing panel supply. Our relationship with Phoenix has always been a healthy and respectful one and they have been, and continue to be, a worthy competitor. I’d sincerely like to wish all the best to Neil Peck, who founded Phoenix Door Panels and is retiring and to some of the team who are moving on to pastures new.”

Hurst Plastics provides a comprehensive installer package for its range of door panels, which provides Hurst customers with all the resources they need to promote themselves and sell to the homeowner. It delivers full marketing and sales support, including access to product photography, fully personalised product literature and point of sale material.

To satisfy market trends, Hurst constantly expands its panels range and even offers a collection of bespoke door styles. The door panels are available in a number of woodgrain and colourgrain options, including popular shades such as Chartwell Green and Anthracite Grey. Door panels can even be personalised with bespoke glazing to create a completely unique glass design for a front door. Hurst Plastics is the only door manufacturer in the UK to offer digital printing direct on to glass, which allows installers can take a customer’s favourite photograph and reproduce it directly on to glass.

Over the last three years, Hurst Plastics has invested heavily in plant and machinery to increase the production capabilities of its two factories in Kingston-upon-Hull. This has enabled Hurst to boost production of both its composite doors and door panels, whilst maintaining excellent manufacturing standards. The firm also recently completed a £500,000 investment programme into new vehicles, which included the purchase of 15 delivery vans to deliver more than 99% of Hurst’s doors throughout the UK.

www.hurst-plastics.co.uk 

Ian Short and his dance partner, Olivia Choi, who won the Variety Strictly Ballroom competition and raised more than £10,000 for the children’s charity

Integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass & Glazing’s managing director, Ian Short, has been crowned the winner in the Variety’s Strictly Ballroom competition and raised more than £10,000 for the children’s charity.

Ian was one of 10 amateur dancers who, alongside their professional dance partners, trained for three months before competing in front of a star-studded judging panel, featuring the X Factor’s Ray Quinn, choreographer Ian Banham and professional dancer, Jemma Girling. The charity event, which was hosted by TV presenter Gethin Jones, raised a total of £39,500, which is enough to buy a new Sunshine Coach.

Commenting on his achievement, Ian said: “This has been a life changing experience; I’ve lost four stone in weight, stopped smoking, and helped to raise more than £10,000 for a fabulous cause. It’s been completely humbling and I am so grateful to everyone who sponsored and supported me and my dance partner, Olivia Choi, from the North Leeds Dance Academy. We were absolutely thrilled to win both the judges’ and audience trophies.”

Ian and Olivia danced the samba and have already committed to entering more dance competitions and will “keeeep dancing”.

Variety provides practical, tangible help to children in the UK coping with sickness, disability or disadvantage.

To sponsor Ian visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-short5.

The post Morley MD’s a blinding dancer appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

GAP Preston following ‘mini makeover’

Following GAP’s acquisition of SIG Building Plastics & Windows in August, the company says it has been ‘working non-stop’ to welcome all its new team members and customers on board, with the GAP directors visiting all 66 new depots, ‘from Inverness to the Isle of Wight and everywhere in-between’.

Simon Bird, GAP’s joint founder commented: “We’ve been hugely impressed so far by the knowledge and talent of our new team, together with their desire to grasp this unique chance. We’ve also been taken aback by the size of opportunity this deal has presented GAP. The quality of the team that has joined, together with the strategic locations of the new depots, has provided GAP a game changing opportunity to become the number one manufacturer and distributor of PVC-U building products for quality, service and choice.”

Whilst planning and preparation started well in advance of the deal, further investment has continued in logistics and manufacturing to ensure the new combined network of 112 depots can provide customers with what they need when they need it, from small traders to national house builders.

Phase one of the integration involves the new depots benefitting from a ‘mini makeover’, new signage and team workwear. The scale of the change is illustrated by the huge workwear order placed by GAP for 805 t-shirts, 805 polo shirts, 270 jackets, 532 jumpers, 330 hoodies, 810 pairs of trousers and 390 pairs of shorts. Stock is also being switched at the depots to offer customers the wide range of colours and styles available through GAP’s own brand of roofline products; Homeline.

Charles Greensmith, GAP’s joint founder added: “This continues to be a very busy yet exciting time for all involved. We’ve got big challenges ahead, but we’re making great strides together. Over the coming months we’ll do everything we can to make our new team members and customers feel part of GAP.”

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