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Mark Austin

Hazlemere Commercial’s marketing director, Mark Austin, has become chairman of the GGF’s Windows and Doors Group.

‘Providing a voice for the fenestration industry’, the GGF exists to ‘advise policy makers, protect consumers, and represent the interests of the glass and glazing sector on a national scale’.

Members of the body’s Window and Door Group have met regularly since 1977 – and today, representatives from 225 UK manufacturers and installers gather four times a year to discuss mutual interests, concerns and the state of the industry more broadly.

Mark’s new role will see him chair two of these annual meets, while Phil Goult, chair of the GGF’s Conservatories Association, will oversee the remaining two.

Mark commented: “I was absolutely delighted to be elected chairman of the Windows and Doors Group. It’s a huge honour, and a fantastic platform to help further the interests of a sector I’m extremely passionate about.

“There’s been a revolution in fenestration over the last 10 years. It constantly amazes me how much technology goes into manufacturing modern windows, doors, conservatories and curtain walling, and how exceptionally the final products are. It’s a massively exciting time to be involved in glass and glazing – and I can’t wait to see how the sector will develop in the years ahead.”

Mark joined Hazlemere Commercial in 2008, following senior roles at an office design firm and Queens Park Rangers and Wycombe Wanderers Football Clubs. He was appointed to the firm’s board of directors in February 2015.

www.hazlemerecommercial.co.uk

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Launched at the end of 2015, Alumen says its roof lights have become a ‘popular choice’ amongst installers thanks to their ‘simplicity’, ‘ease of installation’, and the ‘great after-sales service provided’.

Crystal Clear has been installing windows, doors and high-end conservatories in the Bristol area for nearly two decades and has recently added Alumen’s own brand of aluminium roof lights to its product portfolio.

James Mizen, MD of Crystal Clear explained why: “Our reputation is extremely important to us. We install everything ourselves, so as well as selecting good quality products, it is key that we are able to rely on our fabricators to provide us with a reliable service and clear communication, in order for us to meet our customers’ expectations every time.

“Initially we chose Alumen to supply us with a bespoke roof light for a unique project we were undertaking in Trowbridge. The price was good and the lead times they promised were fast for bespoke aluminium. They delivered on time and even helped us with the installation on-site as the roof light was so large that the glass had to be split with a transom. Once installed, the product looked very contemporary and the customer was delighted with the result.

“We have now taken delivery of, and installed a number of aluminium roof lights including walkovers. We particularly like the simplicity of the product and have found them easy to install. The service from Alumen has also been good. Their communication is clear and delivery well controlled, and the personal touch from Alan, Alumen’s MD, means I feel my business is valued and in safe hands.”

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The Master Fitter Challenge has been a key feature at every FIT Show so far and once again the competition will challenge the skills of some of Britain’s finest window, door and roof installers. Felt by many to define the FIT Show by highlighting the crucial aspects of installation, this year the event will be held in the biggest ever finals Pavilion with finalists skills being tested on the installation of bi folding doors (provided by ALUK), roof lanterns (from Atlas), residential composite doors (from Apeer) and casement windows (Epwin Window Systems). And to add a further twist Edgetech’s Trufit pre-compressed foam sealing tape is part of this year’s challenge. Appropriately, industry competent persons scheme FENSA is the overall sponsor of the Master Fitter Challenge.

The Master Fitter Challenge is a real test of installer skills but, says Mick Clayton of competition managers GQA, the skills being tested should be well within the capacity of every installer working in the industry today: “What finalists are being asked to do are tasks they will encounter on a daily basis,” explained Mick. “What we look for is just how skilfully, thoughtfully, thoroughly and safely they carry out those tasks because there is a chasm between a good and bad installation as we all know. But there is nothing here that should deter any professional installer from entering.”

Mick’s comments are the final rallying cry as entry for the 2017 Master Fitter Challenge closes at the end of March, with the next FIT Show not taking place for another two years.

The FIT Show’s Paul Godwin emphasised the rewards for what will amount to a just couple of days spent competing at the FIT Show and in the most exciting environment: “We have cash prizes totalling £10,000, £5,000 of which goes to the overall winner. We provide overnight accommodation for all finalists and they are our guests at the FIT Show Gala Dinner at which the winners are announced and presented with their cheques.

“But every winner so far has told us it was the pride that counted, that they had competed at what they do on a daily basis and shown they were the best amongst other great professionals that also made the effort to compete.”

The closing date for entries is March 31st. The process is very simple explained Mick Clayton: “Fill in the entry form on the FIT Show website to start the ball rolling. One of our assessors will call and ask some pre-qualifying questions. The next stage is we come and see you work on site during a normal installation; and after our assessors report their findings the lucky six then get to compete over two days at the FIT Show. Competing is simple; it’s how well you compete that is the difference.”

The Master Fitter Challenge is open to all professional window, door and roof installers subject to minimum professional requirements and competencies. Closing date is 31st March. Enter now at: http://www.fitshow.co.uk/master-fitter-challenge/application-form.

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Leading machinery supplier Haffner Murat has just announced that sales of its SBA-2 and SBA-4 machining centres have had a strong start to the year. Dave Thomas, Haffner Murat’s Managing Director, commented: “The machines enable businesses to increase capacity by driving quality, reducing costs and improve efficiency. The strong sales are therefore an excellent indication of the confidence the industry has at the moment.”

Both the SBA-2 and the SBA-2 machining centres are industry stalwarts. The key to their success and continued popularity is the process of continuous innovation that ensures they continue to deliver the features and benefits that today’s fabricators need. Both machines have a heavy duty design and use top quality parts to ensure years of trouble-free service. They are easy to program, control and adjust, which gives them maximum flexibility and usability.

Investment in an SBA-2 or SBA-4 machining centre also gives the reassurance of Haffner Murat’s renowned service. The company offers free and impartial consultancy to ensure customers are investing in the machines that will help them achieve their objectives. The package includes installation and training to ensure companies can make the most of the machines from day one and are they are further covered with a two year warranty for complete peace of mind. Finance and part exchange options complete an incredibly attractive automation proposition.

Dave concludes: “The confidence I can see in the industry at the moment is great news. It’s also a sign that all fabricators need to be looking at their set-up to make sure they’re keeping up with their competitors. And if they’d like to have a no-obligation discussion as to what automation can bring to their business, I’d encourage them to call!”

www.haffnermurat.com

Consumers prefer to hire firms that train apprentices, according to new research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

With National Apprenticeship Week in England underway, this new research, based on responses from 2,000 home owners across the UK, reveals that:

Almost two thirds of home owners would have a ‘more favourable’ image of a building firm knowing they train apprentices
Half of home owners would be more likely to actually hire a building firm knowing they train apprentices (all else being equal)
More than two in five would be more likely to recommend a building firm to a friend or family member based on the fact they train apprentices
Almost two thirds of home owners think that building firms should highlight the fact that they are training the next generation of tradespeople in their marketing material

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “This new research confirms what many of us already knew – apprentices are good for your business. The building industry is extremely competitive and these results suggest that training an apprentice will help a firm stand out from the crowd. Home owners aren’t just concerned about the craftsmanship of their builder, they want to know they are hiring a firm with strong values. It therefore makes sense that a business that invests in young people is seen in a better light. If the burgeoning skills crisis in the construction industry wasn’t enough to motivate those firms not already training to start doing so, hopefully this evidence will do the trick. It’s helpful to know that apprenticeship training can not only provide rewarding career opportunities for young people, but it can also help a firm’s bottom line.”

Berry concluded: “Next month will see the introduction of the government’s new Apprenticeship Levy on large firms, so this year could see a big shift in terms of who is directly involved in apprenticeship training. In construction, two-thirds of all apprentices are trained by SMEs and it is our hope that the new Levy will encourage the larger firms to also engage more readily in training the future workforce. What’s great about this research is that it demonstrates the positive image that a real focus on quality training can bring to a company from a commercial perspective – no doubt this applies across the business community and not just in the construction sector.”

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A rare opportunity to see high automation in action was offered at Double R Glass & Roofing Systems’ recent Open House event. Open to customers and prospects and with time set aside for the industry’s media, the company showed the culmination of months of work designing and installing one of the quickest vertical IGU Super Spacer Automatic Hot Melt line.

Managing Director of Double R, Ian Sims explains: “We’re extremely proud of the circa £1m investment we made into this For.El machine and the amount of quality units it allows us to produce on a daily basis, so we had no qualms in opening our doors to anyone who wanted to come and see it in action. It really is a sight to behold with high quality IGUs being produced at record speed. We believe this is the future of Double R but also the future of IGU production.

“Visitors to our factory also received a tour of the rest of our premises including our impressive and experienced decorative department and the extensive range of glass and solid roofs produced in our dedicated roof unit. They also had the chance to chat with our suppliers, with whom we work extremely closely to ensure we deliver on customers’ expectations on a consistent basis. The suppliers supporting us on the day were Edgetech, Bostik, Promac, CENSolutions, ER Certification and Clear Thinking Software.

“Congratulations to Three Shires and CRK Windows who won the two prize draws held across the event.

“Although our Open House ran for two days, we are so proud of Double R and our offering that we are happy to welcome fabricators and installers to our premises at any time. Anyone that wants to arrange a time to visit can call us on 01933 443658 to make an appointment.”

For more information visit www.glassandroofs.com or call 01933 443658

Phoenix Doors, part of MASCO UK Window Group, has increased its composite door and PVC door panel production capacity with a move to much larger premises in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

Formerly occupied by Lola Cars International, the racing car engineering company, the new 75,000ft2 site brings all Phoenix Doors’ manufacturing operations under one roof.

Haydon Statham, sales director, said: “Our new HQ gives us plenty of space, enabling us to further improve our production efficiency and expand our customer offering.

“With the Group’s backing, we have invested significantly in new personnel, plant and equipment that will help to take the business to new levels of growth and – just as importantly – to deliver the service our customers both expect and deserve.”

Investment in a new beam saw and a doubling up of machinery has reportedly created more flexible production capacity with at least two machines, sometimes four machines, creating a fast response to ‘market changes and seasonal upswings in demand’.

A second spray booth has been added in response to the growing trend for coloured doors. Catering for any specified RAL colour, this facility should help to reduce lead times and increase colour personalisation options across all Phoenix Doors’ composite door ranges. An added advantage of this investment is the ability to ‘spray to stock’, further enhancing the choices for customers and with faster lead times.

The new building also houses a purpose-built showroom showcasing the latest additions to the Phoenix Doors range.

www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk

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