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The Conservatory Outlet Group has announced its second acquisition of 2017 with a deal that welcomes leading North West retailer Clearview Home Improvements to the family, taking the Group’s combined revenue to over £40million.This latest deal is a firm stake in the ground from Group CEO Greg Kane and Conservatory Outlet Limited’s Managing Director Michael Giscombe, realising their goal of bringing together the ‘best of regional’ with the ‘scale of national’.The purchase of Clearview, combined with the recent acquisition of Pennine Home Improvements, gives the Group a sizeable inroad to consumer sales.  This in turn allows fabricator Conservatory Outlet Limited to pick up valuable insight from two of the North’s leading retail and installation companies to bring the customer closer to the business than ever before.

Greg explains: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome our long-standing Network partners Clearview to the CO Group.  With an unbeatable reputation for local excellence in the North West, the team at Clearview will continue to augment their unique approach to home improvement, imparting their innovative solutions with our Network to stimulate wider growth we never thought possible a year ago.” Clearview, with showrooms in Warrington, Preston and Nantwich, has seen its sales double to around £14million since joining the Network in 2009.  The new combined turnover represents a six-fold growth for the Conservatory Outlet Group in just seven years. Exiting as shareholders of Clearview, Chris Mitchell (Managing Director) and Andrew Ross (Installations Director) will remain in their day-to-day roles beyond the deal together with Sales Director Gary Oakes, with a longer-term succession plan to follow.

Chris Mitchell says: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Conservatory Outlet Group and the opportunities that it brings for our company.  Greg and Michael were the obvious choice to purchase our business, we trust them implicitly and know that they’re as passionate about our company as we are – this move is very much about accelerating our growth.” Conservatory Outlet Limited will remain a B2B company with a strong understanding of the retail market – with both Clearview and Pennine running side by side as sister companies within the CO Group.  As with Pennine, Clearview will retain exclusivity of its trading area within the network so the deal does not conflict with any of the group’s 23 other retail partners around the UK. Greg concludes: “Our existing Network of retail installers should be truly motivated by this latest move – the opportunities for Growth with CO are stronger and more real than ever before, with a unique culture emerging that sets aside our family as a cut above the rest. We’re continuing to actively seek new retailers in untapped areas of the UK – this is a really exciting time to become part of our Network.”

The post The Conservatory Outlet Group announces the acquisition of Clearview appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Hot on the heels of the recent launch of the Korniche Aluminium Roof Lantern website, Made for Trade are preparing to roll out KwikQuote – a new bespoke pricing tool for the Korniche Roof Lantern. Accessed through a dedicated Trade Log In facility on the Korniche Website the KwikQuote pricing tool will be available primarily to trade business and trade counter based companies and as KwikQuote is an online system, it can be accessed on Desktop, Laptops, even mobile phones and tablets. Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director at MFT says “The KwikQUOTE system will provide our trade partners access to a simple, easy to use pricing tool allowing bespoke product costings including glass and delivery options in an instant.” KwikQuote’s interface can be tailored to specific client needs by adding logos, contacts, inputting discount and mark up levels so the printable page can be given direct to the end customer at the counter. This ability to generate detailed quotes quickly and with confidence completely removes any potential cooling off period where in the past there has been a wait for a price/design confirmation. Completing a lantern sale has never been easier!

Korniche is a bespoke product with many different layouts possible and the Kwikquote software has been designed with usability to complement it. The intuitive system allows the user to add or change configurations and dimensions whilst seeing a real-time wireframe drawing of the quoted lantern on the screen, this visualisation helps the client understand how the final layout of the lantern will look. Once a design has been chosen, the positioning of the spas is checked by the system and any errors are flagged up so the design can be fine tuned to ensure all potential orders can be physically produced.  Once the required design is complete the software then stores records within each account for future reference and allows the user to print out quotes for client approval/sign off as well as for their own records.

If you’re interested in knowing more about KwikQuote or would like a product demonstration then contact Made for Trade at marketing@madefortrade.co.  KwikQuote is another example of how Made for Trade continually innovate to best service customer’s needs. Investment in product development, logistics systems, new vehicles and revamps to both the Korniche product website and the main Made for Trade website www.madefortrade.co  ensure that Made for Trade remain your premier Trade Partner.

The post Bespoke pricing tool for the Korniche lantern appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Kenrick has launched a range of locking systems to enable flush sash windows to be positively held in the ‘night-vent’ position.

The flush sash night-vent shootbolt has been developed by Kenrick to overcome the common problem associated with some flush sash windows – a restrictive Euro groove position which doesn’t provide enough room to accommodate the double keep on the shootbolt.

Steve Williams, sales director at Kenrick, explains: “Many of our customers have been frustrated because they couldn’t offer a night-vent option on a flush sash without sacrificing the external gasket on their windows. This meant that a flush sash window was either completely locked of left open and unsecured with no middle ground.

“We set about developing a solution to eradicate this problem and ultimately give the end user greater flexibility in their locking options. The end result is a unique range of night vent shootbolts, which incorporate specially designed extensions to seamlessly provide a positive night vent facility on a flush sash profile.

“The feedback from our customers has been terrific and they are delighted to now be able to offer the same security features on a flush sash window that come as standard on other window systems.”

The newly developed extensions are compatible with the existing gear box options on three of Kenrick’s top-selling locking systems – Excalibur, Centurion and Centurion Fast Fit. Durable and reliable, these three multi-point locking systems benefit from stainless steel shoot bolts and a robust unhanded die-cast gearbox. PAS 24 accredited, they offer rapid installation for the installer whilst providing ultimate security for the homeowner.

The flush sash night-vent shootbolt comes in four sizes – 240-370mm, 370-620mm, 620-890mm and 890-1155mm – to suit varying window sizes. Keeps are currently available for both Liniar and Halo flush sash windows with more profiles in the pipeline.

It has been function tested to 100,000 full cycles (open/close, lock/unlock) and also exceeds the requirements of BS EN 1670: 2007 Grade 4 (severe) rating for salt spray corrosion resistance.

www.kenricks.co.uk

CORGI Fenestration is delighted to announce its first repair and maintenance sector registration – Mila Window and Door Maintenance.

Mila Window and Door Maintenance have completed over 1.1million repairs in the social housing sector. The company offers a range of value for money services all related to the repair, maintenance or replacement of window and door hardware across the entire spectrum of social housing stock types.

Mila Window and Door Maintenance also works extensively with commercial organisations, and the health and education sectors. No job is too big or too small.

Mila Window and Door Maintenance passed the CORGI Fenestration audit with flying colours.  The company will be able to display the CORGI Fenestration mark that tells its customers that the business is committed to best practice across well qualified staff and the best in customer service.

Tristan Cooke, Mila Window and Door Maintenance Managing Director commented: “Achieving CORGI Fenestration recognition gives us a badge which underlines all the good things we do with one simple and instantly recognisable mark, and we are delighted to be recognised as being good enough as a business to have achieved it”.

“It is the next step for us in being recognised for delivering outstanding resident care, and builds on the work we have been doing for many years to engage with the residents we work with to deliver the most considerate and respectful working practices when in their homes”.

“We are delighted to welcome Mila Window and Door Maintenance into the CORGI Fenestration family – the first maintenance sector business to sign up,” commented

Chris Mayne, CEO of CORGI Fenestration.  “We were very impressed by their commitment to the CORGI Fenestration core values of trust, reliability, expertise, quality and best practice.”

CORGI Fenestration recognises the achievement of best practice in the sector – from managed workforce competence to management control processes – through the use and display of the most recognised mark in the home improvements sector.  CORGI.

The whole supply chain can achieve CORGI Fenestration Registration – from system houses, fabricators, component and IGU manufacturers through to installers and repair and maintenance services.  Both commercial and domestic building sectors are covered.

CORGI Fenestration has established a set of strict criteria for companies through which the highest of standards and management best practice can be recognised and publicised, such as QMS (Quality Management Systems).

Products covered are:  windows, roof windows, roof lights, doors, roof lanterns, conservatories, orangeries, glass extensions, sun rooms, tiled roof glass extensions, replacement conservatory roofs, porches, shop fronts, curtain walls, facias, bargeboards, cladding, soffits, guttering and downpipes.

CORGI Fenestration accepts all glazing sector qualifications awarded by partner organisation GQA Qualifications.  Staff with these qualifications can now be issued with their personal CORGI Fenestration branded card and will be listed on a Skills Register.

Further information:-  enquiries@corgifenestration.co.uk    www.corgifenestration.co.uk  Tel:  0800 246 1729

White Oaks, Plymouth

Devon’s Fenster Fabrications has contributed to a multiple award-winning architectural project in Plymouth. The White Oaks development saw noted contemporary building specialist Barc Architects design a stylish, modern home for a couple with a passion for architecture and interior design. Initially asked to renovate and extend an existing bungalow, Barc advised the couple it would be more cost-effective to rebuild from scratch – and called on Fenster Fabrications to provide sleek and stylish aluminium glazing products that would suit their desired aesthetic. Fenster contributed one of its flagship Uni_Slide doors, alongside other glazing products. Uni_Slide is an ultra-slim aluminium sliding door, equally suited to commercial and residential applications.

Offering exceptional thermal efficiency, build quality, and desirable minimalist aesthetics, Uni_Slide can achieve frame sightlines as slim as 20mm, and a slim central interlock, while being able to support sliding panels of up to 3m high and 2.2m wide. The product can be assembled in a limitless run of units, with each panel capable of holding up to 320kg of glass. Tony Drake, Fenster Fabrications Managing Director, commented: “Uni_Slide makes a fantastic addition to any residential development. It can offer a sense of sleek luxury to any architectural development, and, for installers, it’s an excellent way of appealing to the lucrative high-end of the market. We’ve had a great response to our search for Uni_Slide installation partners so far – but we’re still looking for exceptional installers, dedicated to quality products and fantastic customer service, to join the network. If you think your business fits the bill, don’t hesitate to get in touch!”

For its role in the White Oaks project, Fenster was named the FIT Show’s Installation of the Month in April 2017, and shortlisted for Installation of the Year. The development as a whole also received the Local Authority Building Control Building Excellence Award for Best New Dwelling.

The post Uni_Slide makes a stylish impact appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Picture above:  Robert Thiroff is set to develop global sales for Liniar

Leading PVCu systems house Liniar has today announced the appointment of Robert Thiroff to the new post of International Sales Director.

The Liniar range has grown substantially within the UK and Ireland since its launch in 2008 – and the next step in its growth strategy is to develop the Liniar and Alumina brands internationally, utilising the strengths and contacts of parent company Quanex.

Robert is ideally placed to help take these innovative brands forward worldwide. He has a wealth of experience and a background within the construction industry; of which 25 years have been within PVCu window and door extrusion.

Spending the last 9 years with the profine International Group (Kommerling), Robert held roles as Chief Sales Officer Worldwide, Regional Director and Managing Director UK/IRE. Prior to that, he spent 16 years at Plastmo profiles.

Robert says: “I have the utmost respect and admiration for Roger Hartshorn, and have followed his many achievements within our industry over many years. I have seen the Liniar brand develop from its inception into the leading PVCu window and door profile in the UK – and having worked with Roger and the HL Plastics team in recent years, I believe the company ethos fits perfectly with my own vision and values.

“With the support of the vastly experienced Liniar team, I am excited to explore the development of our brands into new countries, together with the opportunities this brings for existing Liniar fabricators. I see many positives for the group and our innovative product range, especially with the realisation of Brexit and the export opportunities our currency brings.”

Group CEO Roger Hartshorn commented: “I’m delighted Robert is joining the Liniar team – his experience in the global fenestration market will enable us to develop new overseas relationships and mark the next stage in Liniar’s evolution.”

www.liniar.co.uk

For 45 years, Titon’s core product has been the window trickle (or ‘background’) ventilator, with the company renowned as the biggest manufacturer and supplier of these products in the UK. Titon has maintained its position as the industry leader through constant research and product development, ensuring the company is still able to offer the largest range of trickle vents on the market today – having sold over 50 million vents to date.

Titon’s trickle ventilators assist in compliance with ventilation regulations in the UK & overseas, and are suitable for all types of window – including timber, aluminium or PVCu, offering increased ventilation that other manufacturers cannot match. As a result, specifiers can pick Titon products to ensure compliance for a choice of ventilation systems in different dwelling types, without constant specification changes. Additionally, fabricators can remain safe in the knowledge that only the minimum number of ventilators required need to be used to achieve compliance.

Indoor air quality

By providing adequate levels of background ventilation, trickle vents also play a key role in removing air pollutants from inside a property and ensuring good levels of indoor air quality (IAQ). While this subject has made headlines during the last 18 months, Titon’s products have been ensuring excellent levels of IAQ for over decades now.

Movement of air helps disperse general moisture in other habitable rooms (besides bathrooms and kitchens); if the moisture doesn’t escape, it can build up, leading to potential mould growth problems, affecting not only occupants’ health but also damaging the building itself. It also ensures volatile organic compounds (VOC) do not stay in the air indefinitely.

Latest developments

High performance acoustic vents such as Titon’s SF Xtra Sound Attenuator also offer vastly improved levels of sound attenuation. The basic versions of this surface mounted aluminium slot ventilator are the shortest available capable of providing 5,000mm² EA – while being equally suitable for domestic or non-domestic applications. This short length means fewer vents are needed to comply with an application’s required EA. Plus, there are two width variants (one for use over a 13mm slot, the other for a 16mm slot), as well as made-to-measure sizes or bar lengths for self-assembly, all of which can be used with either a plastic or aluminium canopy.

Commenting on the company’s extensive product range, Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon said: “We have been producing trickle ventilators for 45 years now, and window manufacturers, specifiers and fabricators rely on us for our knowledge and advice. This has become more commonplace since the recent increased industry and consumer awareness of the dangers of poor indoor air quality, plus more focus on sound attenuation requirements. At Titon, we have the expertise and the product portfolio to ensure there is always a trickle ventilator option available, which will perform to the required standards and be competitively priced.”

For more information on Titon and its range of trickle vents, visit: www.titon.co.uk