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Fabricators from around the world will be congregating in Mühlacker, Germany this September for the elumatec TechDays 2017.

Hosted by global machinery experts elumatec, the three-day event seeks to showcase the firm’s market-leading product range, and give attendees a crucial insight into the direction fabrication technology is moving in.

Visitors will be treated to an array of live demonstrations, designed to show how elumatec’s cutting-edge aluminium and uPVC machining solutions can help fabricators boost productivity, increase quality and grow their businesses.

Phil Heavey, Managing Director of elumatec UK commented: “The TechDays are really the highlight of our calendar here at elumatec. It’s fantastic to be able to bring existing and potential customers from all around the world to our Mühlacker HQ – the sheer scale of our operation is something to behold, and feedback from attendees is always extremely positive.

“We look forward to seeing friends, customers and colleagues from around the UK in Germany in September – and in the meantime, if you’d like to know more about any of the products in our huge range of uPVC and aluminium machining range, please don’t hesitate to give our sales team a call.”

For more information call 01908 580 800 or visit www.elumatec.co.uk

With FIT Show 2017 still fresh in the memory of the window, door and conservatory industry, attention now turns to the future and FIT Show 2019, especially as it hopes to top the huge success of this year’s first show at the NEC.

The move to the National Exhibition Centre prompted a surge in exhibition stand bookings last year when the new venue was announced. This year sees a similar trend only this time instead of the new venue being the catalyst previous exhibitors are booking their stand space so they can start planning how they are going to top this year’s show. With 22 months still to go until FIT Show 2019 – taking place on 21^st to 23^rd May – 50% of the exhibition floor space has already been booked. And while this is quite a feat, it’s even more of a feat when you learn that the gross floor space for FIT Show 2019 is 30% larger than this year’s show.

“With the rapid growth of the FIT Show we knew we had to move from Telford to the NEC and it proved the right decision looking at the numbers from our first show in Birmingham,” said Nickie West, Event Director of FIT Events Ltd, the company behind the FIT Show. “With a visitor increase of almost 17% in comparison to our previous show we owe that to some of the most creative marketing campaigns from exhibitors and impressive stands we’ve seen yet. And having 50% of floor space for 2019 booked already just shows the commitment this industry has to its industry event.”

Some of the names that have signed up for FIT Show 2019 include: Konig UK, AluK (GB) Ltd, BSI Group, Wintech Engineering, Roseview Windows, Apeer, Renolit Cramlington Ltd, Customade Group, Profine Group, KAT UK, Leica Geosystems Ltd, Kawneer, Ultraframe, Veka, Camden, Iso-Chemie GmbH and more.

For a full list of exhibitors visit: www.fitshow.co.uk/exhibitors

Image Above: David Strang at his home The Old Smelting Mill in Alton, Staffs

Synseal Group has bid a fond farewell to David Strang who has retired after more than 30 years working with the Sheerframe window system.

During a lifelong career in the plastics industry, David has seen it all – from fond memories of his early days in the British Plastics Federation to the height of Sheerframe’s success as one of  the most specified commercial window systems in the UK. David was instrumental in driving some of the key innovations in PVC-U manufacturing we take for granted today, including the first lead-free profile, co-extruded weather seals and the first UK designed reversible window system.

Starting his career at the BPF, David remembers working with raw material suppliers to campaign for window performance standards, leading to BS 6375 standards, and going to the advertising standards agency to dispute false claims about PVC-U discolourment by aluminium suppliers.

In 1983 he moved to LB Plastics to take up the new role of Product Manager for Sheerframe, soon after they launched the first 70mm window system. It was highly successfully both in retail and in the public sector, where Sheerframe became the go-to PVC-U window supplier for local authorities. David continued to head up the Sheerframe division when acquired by Synseal Group in 2014, helping the systems house to tap into the specification market with Sheerframe’s first-class reputation in the specialist commercial sector for sheltered housing, educational buildings and inner city housing developments.

Commenting on his time at the forefront of PVC-U innovation, David said:

“It was like riding the crest of a wave in the 1980s and 90s. A lot of the time we were working it out as we went along, crystallising ideas in marketing meetings, working out what we wanted to achieve and putting them into action. These were times when there were no performance standards for weather tightness or thermal efficiency – steel and timber windows predominantly had no seals and glass was held in place with putty!

“With Sheerframe we made huge advancements, eschewing copycat products in 60mm – largely inward opening designs for German refurb and new build – and instead promoting British style multilights that opened outwards like casements and reversibles in replacement sizes of 70mm. We also pioneered whole window and door systems with pre-fused gaskets and seals which, despite scepticism from the wider industry, are now the norm.

“It was an exciting time to be non-conformist, and to lead the way in PVC-U innovation. It was a time when everything you touched turned to gold.”

www.synseal.com

The 2017 Construction Marketing Awards are open for entry, with the closing date being Friday 22nd September.

For the second successive year the GGF is supporting the awards that showcase the best of marketing in the construction industry.

Last year the GGF with specialist agency Refresh PR won a Construction Marketing Award for the best mid-range budget campaign for MyGlazing.com – the GGF’s consumer advice website.  In terms of marketing and PR, the GGF has had an outstanding last 12 months with strong promotions on MyGlazing.com and a successful campaign to celebrate the Federations 40^th Anniversary. In view of this the GGF aims to enter several awards’ categories.

James Lee, GGF Director of Marketing and Communications commented, “Following last year’s success and our strong marketing activity in the last 12 months, we will definitely be entering again. The CMAs are unique and significant in the construction industry. I would encourage all glass and glazing companies who have run great marketing campaigns in the last year to enter.”

Why enter the CMAs?

By entering the Construction Marketing Awards you are demonstrating the value you give marketing. It is a chance to show the best work from your department to your wider business. It will boost the morale of your team and show the company how their efforts contribute to the business.

Compiling and submitting an entry is your chance to demonstrate the competence of your team and show how their work helps drive new business. When entering you will need to pull together important measurements and ROI, all of which you can share internally to cement the importance of marketing in the broader business strategy and ultimately to the bottom line.

Entering the CMAs offers the chance to say thank you to your team, to acknowledge their hard work and achievements. It is also a chance to take the team out and celebrate. And, with the Gala Dinner being close to end of the year you can make it your departments Christmas party!

You can use the Construction Marketing Awards to demonstrate how your marketing efforts measure up against others. Every year the number of entries to the Construction Marketing Awards grows, so even being shortlisted is a sign of success. To be a winner or gain a highly commended is a real mark of how you stand head and shoulders above the rest. Just think of the PR mileage winning an award gives!

Winning an award can raise your marketing teams’ efforts beyond the parameters of your own company. It means you can showcase your marketing campaigns, gaining recognition and admiration from the wider construction community, and other leading marketers.

Finally, by entering your campaign it shows your support for construction. It demonstrates the good marketing efforts that are taking place to improve the image of construction. How the industry can deliver marketing on a par with other sectors, providing sophisticated marketing solutions that are tailored to a complex marketplace.

Don’t miss your opportunity to enter!

The Construction Marketing Awards showcase the construction industry’s effectiveness in marketing, raising the profile of marketing professionals and their achievements.

Start your online entry now construction.awardsplatform.com

www.cmawards.co.uk

Further reading

www.cmawards.co.uk/how-to-enter/writing-your-winning-entry/

www.cmawards.co.uk/industry-recognition-should-be-motivator/

END

North Lakes NLG Window Systems has been quick to take full advantage of its Independent Network membership, having joined the pioneering installer support organisation just six months ago.

Recently rebranded from Network VEKA, Independent Network recognised North Lakes with one of two ‘Best New Member’ awards at its annual Members’ Weekend. The Penrith-based company has been full of praise for the benefits that membership has brought, such as training; marketing support and heightened customer confidence.

Martin Smith, who owns and operates the company alongside his wife Lindsey, commented: “Independent Network really helps to make the most of being a VEKA installer. Not only are customers reassured that they’re buying one of the industry’s leading doors and windows, but they’ll also be fitted to the highest standards – guaranteed.

“Since joining, we’ve attended various Independent Network training days, and feel more than ever that we’re fully ‘up to speed’ with industry advances as a result. The courses also provide a great opportunity to meet other member companies and get a sense of the culture of Independent Network. There’s a great camaraderie among everyone involved, and we’ve been made to feel welcome throughout.

“It’s early days for North Lakes with Independent Network, but we’re extremely pleased that we decided to join and look forward to further exploring the support available in future – apprenticeships; affiliate partnerships; marketing and online support… there’s so much on offer, it’s hard to remember it all!”

Only companies that meet a stringent set of standards can become Independent Network members. They are then continually assessed to ensure those standards are maintained, with homeowners completing customer satisfaction awards to both trigger their ten-year insurance-backed guarantee, and highlight any issues arising from the installation.

“Having such a comprehensive grasp on what customers think about our work, including word-for-word testimonials has been a very useful marketing tool”, Martin continues. “We’ve showcased the info on our website and social media, and find it a great way to illustrate that we’re not just making empty claims about the quality of our work!”

Karen Lund, VEKA Group’s Head of Partner Programmes commented: “North Lakes has enjoyed an auspicious start with Independent Network, becoming one of our Best New Members for its broad engagement and enthusiasm. We congratulate them on the completion of their newly-developed showroom, and look forward to a long and fruitful future together.”

To contact North Lakes NLG Window Systems, call 01768 865 331, and to find out more about Independent Network, call 01282 473170 or visit www.inveka.co.uk

A misty start to the day in the suburbs of a Northern England town.

Damp and dark homes across the UK are having a direct impact on the levels of serious health conditions being reported, according to a new report by roof window manufacturer Velux®. This Velux Healthy Homes Barometer highlights a clear correlation between poor housing stock and ill-health in all countries across Europe. UK residents living in dark homes are revealed to be 27% more likely to report poor health conditions including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, people living in unhealthy buildings in the UK with damp are 34% more likely to be suffering from health conditions. Across Europe, one in six households are currently living in an “unhealthy” (meaning damp or mouldy) building, increasing their chances of illness by 66%. The Velux Healthy Homes Barometer examines the effects of housing on the health of people living in countries across Europe, along with the associated costs to society and ways to tackle the problem. On the back of the findings, Velux is calling for buildings to become more energy efficient and for the UK’s housing stock to be brought up to par.

Grant Sneddon, Product Manager at Velux-GBI said: “We know instinctively that living in unhealthy surroundings is bad for our health. This study reveals to just what extent those in the UK and Europe are suffering on account of their homes; and also the staggering financial costs to society of not bringing our ageing housing stock up to par.”

Europeans living in an ‘unhealthy’ building are more than 1.5 times (66%) more likely to report poor health, and 40% more likely to suffer from asthma, as those who do not. Meanwhile, Europeans who suffer energy poverty – meaning they are unable to keep their homes comfortably warm in winter – are twice as likely to report poor health and nearly three times more likely to report damp in the home. The costs of unhealthy buildings are not just felt by individuals either. The overall (direct and indirect) costs to European governments and societies of just two of the many diseases associated with damp living environments – asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – reach a staggering € 82 billion per year.

One solution is to modernise Europe’s existing buildings through energy efficient and healthy renovations. This would not only lead to improved health outcomes, lower societal costs and reduced CO2 emissions, but would also provide a much-needed catalyst to European economies. The Healthy Homes Barometer 2017 goes on to examine the level of private capital available for renovation in EU member states – € 30 trillion – and what would be required to help unlock some of that total to invest in renovation. The full report can be accessed by visiting www.velux.com/health/healthy-homes-barometer-2017

The post Dark homes contributing to ill-health says new report from Velux appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Bowater by Birtley is pleased to offer a full array of colours from its in-house paint line, on its wide range of composite doors. And never has colour been so important as Kevin Kiernan of Bowater by Birtley explains: “Property experts have confirmed that an immaculate front door is the key to selling a house. However, the best colour depends on the position of the property. Pastels work best for city dwellings while natural shades should be used in the countryside. Meanwhile, trending colours are bright yellow, pink and turquoise. We already know the importance of colour, but as its placed under the spotlight by property experts, manufacturers need to be in a strong position to deliver.

“We invested in an in-house paint line so that we have complete control over the delivery of a wide range of colours. We can colour match any specific requirements for the more individual colour projects and where required, we can also colour match the frame to the door. Homeowners want choice when it comes to the colour of their front door and with recent press articles suggesting that the colour they choose says something about what kind of person they are, there is even more need to offer a whole array of options!

“The Bowater by Birtley range of composite doors is about offering choice so the end user has precisely the door they want, not a compromised version of it. Our in-house paint line, number of door styles and the option of single or dual rebate composites allows us to do just that. Which in turn allows our customers to differentiate from the competition.”

Leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan announced this week that it will be the first fabricator to manufacture LEKA’s new Orangery Roof in kit form. Heidi Sachs, Managing Director at Modplan, said: “We are delighted to be the first fabricator to offer the new LEKA Orangery Roof. It’s the perfect example of a value-added product that taps into today’s home improvement trends.”

The LEKA Orangery Roof is packed with features designed to appeal to installers. It comes in kit form in four simple, lightweight pre-assembled ladder sections and all materials from the external board to the internal board are pre-cut/fabricated to exact specifications. As a one stop solution, Modplan can also supply the roof lantern for a complete Orangery roof package. This construction means installation is a two man one day project (not including the lantern and roof membrane). It’s jhai-approved so paperwork is kept to a minimum too. There is also the benefit of Modplan’s legendary partnership-focused customer support that will mean installers can make the most of the opportunities the roof presents.   And there is no doubt that the roof has lots of opportunities. Homeowners will appreciate the U value of just 0.15 W/m²K thanks to the structurally tested, high grade GRP construction, which also means no risk of cold bridging or condensation. It is the perfect product for both new-build orangery style conservatories as well as retro-fit projects.

Heidi concludes: “Installers who want to have a competitive advantage in the marketplace should give us a call today so they can start to benefit from what the LEKA Orangery Roof kit can bring to their portfolio!”

Modplan manufactures and provides a comprehensive range of products that includes the Matrix 58, Veka Matrix 70 and 70FS systems, VEKA Vertical sliders, PVC-u patio and bifold doors, conservatories, the Vertex Open Canopy, the Vertex roof system with polycarbonate, glass or tile effect roof options, the Wendland roofing system and the newly added Ultrasky, Livin room and LEKA Warm Roof.  For more information on any of the Modplan’s products and support, simply Ask the Man from Modplan.

The post Modplan is the first fabricator to offer the new LEKA Orangery Roof Kit appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Having recently launched its own brand range of machinery earlier this year, Mighton Products gave some of its customers the opportunity to provide honest reviews of the machines they have purchased. Timber window and door specialists Bailey-Hague Joinery recently purchased one of the latest additions to the range, the Mighton X-Cut™ machine which produces perfect cross-joints on glazing beads, and praised its speed and accuracy.

“We choose the X-Cut machine because we were hoping the promise of simple set-up and ease of use would make life easier for our employees and improve joint accuracy.” explained Robert Bailey-Hague of the Leeds-based company.

“Six months on and we wouldn’t change a thing. The machine is quick and easy to set up and has increased not only the speed of our production but also the accuracy. Our Mighton representative set the machine up for us and gave us full training on how to use it. The Mighton demo van visit we booked was really beneficial, and gave us a lot more confidence in our purchase, having seen how the machine worked first.“

Bailey-Hague Joinery has been a customer of Mighton Products for several years, buying beading and paint and making use of its colour matching service. Set up by Robert 15 years ago after being inspired by his late grandfather to become a skilled carpenter, Bailey-Hague now employs seven people and has become a specialist in the manufacture and installation of bespoke timber windows, doors and kitchens.

The Mighton machinery range came about after the company saw an opening to devise its own brand range of low-cost machinery, designed to make joinery production quicker, easier and more efficient, as Chairman Mike Derham explains:

“Our mission when we set about developing these machines was to partner with skilled Craftsmen like Bailey Hague and provide them with products that speed up manufacturing and deliver long lasting end results.”

The semi-automatic X-Cut™ joint cutting machine produces perfect cross-joints on glazing beads and comes complete with tooling to suit the timber profile of the user’s choosing. Accurate and consistent, it allows for simple tool change and no lengthy manuals mean it is simple to set up and easy to operate. The machine is adjustable to accept bead profiles measuring from 9mm to 19mm in height and 12mm to 38mm in width and any lengths over 500mm can be used with the option to add extending arms.

Demonstrations of any machine in the range are available through the new Mighton Mobile Demonstration Vehicles. The demonstrations give customers the opportunity for a live demo with a Mighton expert, and see first-hand how to get the most out of a potential purchase. There is also a choice of flexible finance options, making the machines easily attainable for small to medium joinery companies.

To learn more about the range of Mighton Products machinery or to order a new catalogue visit www.mightonproducts.com or call 01223 497097.