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Brisant Secure has launched Ultion Padlock. Named because it contains Ultion, Brisant’s high security cylinder door lock, Ultion Padlock gives homeowners the same security. Installers selling doors with Ultion can sell this additional product for sheds, garages, and outbuildings so homeowners know all their property is secure.

Homeowners with Ultion in their front door can have their padlock keyed alike so one key opens both locks.

Ultion Padlock is a high security padlock that has achieved the ultimate security accolade, the Master Locksmiths Association’s Sold Secure Gold standard, the highest possible for padlocks. It’s the standard insurance companies request.

Ultion Padlock’s strong shackle is made from Molybdenum, the same material used in Ultion’s Lock Down Mode which keeps homes secure even when put through the most aggressive attacks.

Brisant CEO Nick Dutton says: “Ultion Padlock is part of our ‘Sold Secure’ range, and contains an Ultion cylinder, that’s why we’ve given it the Ultion name. Homeowners want to keep their homes secure, but they also have sheds, garages, or even bike storage that holds expensive equipment outside their homes too. Why shouldn’t they be able to lock them with Ultion security?

“Installers selling real-life Ultion security know it sells doors. Now they can sell Ultion Padlock as an add-on for homeowners wanting protection for all their stuff.”

“Now homeowners can have a lock that locks their door and a padlock that locks their shed, with just one key to open both. It means homeowners won’t be searching the house for the padlock key they’ve lost because it’s the same key they use in their front door every day.”

Call 01924 410 200, visit www.ultion-lock.co.uk or follow @UltionLock on Twitter.

Mila has made it even easier for customers to choose the right product for any application with a brand new set of design icons to show exactly what is included in every guarantee.

These will be used from now on across all of Mila’s packaging, website and brand new catalogue, so that buyers can see instantly whether they are choosing a 5, 10, 20 or even 25-year guarantee on performance or finish, or both.

Underpinning the icons of course are the simple and transparent terms of Mila’s guarantees which mean there are no hidden catches or small print clauses – just peace of mind for both the fabricator and the installer.

Unlike some of its competitors, Mila does not require installations to be registered online. As long as the product has been fitted in accordance with Mila’s guidelines, if either the product or the finish fails within the time limit of the guarantee, customers simply need to provide photographic evidence or return the product to Mila to receive a replacement.

Richard Gyde said: “We believe in treating customers fairly and honestly and this is a key part of that. Obviously, the reason we can offer such a straightforward and simple guarantee scheme is that failures on Mila products are so rare. Our quality assurance processes are so advanced now that by the time a product reaches the customer, it has already been through a testing regime much more arduous than anything it’s likely to face out in the real world.”

Details of Mila’s guarantees and all the new icons are available to view at www.mila.co.uk

Ultraframe’s Andrew Thomson and James Askew of the Sheffield Window Centre discuss the impact of the UltraRoof380 on the refurbishment market

UltraRoof380, the lightweight tile-effect roof from market leader Ultraframe packs a powerful aesthetic punch. Using the patented UltraTile, Ultraframe has delivered a stunning roof that combines simplicity and ease of installation with good looks – so we chatted to Ultraframe’s Design and Development Director Andrew Thomson about the impact of the UltraRoof380 on the refurbishment market and we spoke to James Askew at G-Award Installer of the Year finalists Sheffield Window Centre about their appetite for the refurbishment market.

Andrew, UltraRoof380 was a long time in development, was it worth the wait? “Absolutely. As the market leader we’re very used to being first to market with innovation, but entering the solid roof space needed really careful planning.

“This isn’t a market for ‘quick wins’, in reality the new-build and renovation markets do sit comfortably side by side so we wanted to develop a range of roof systems that would give our network partners the confidence to walk into any home and regardless of the need of the homeowner, be able to offer an Ultraframe solution that will perform and look as fresh long into the future as it does today. With the launch of UtraRoof380, we now have that capability from glazed roofs and lanterns right through to a choice of two different styles of solid roof.”

Let’s turn to you James. Andrew’s point is interesting – do the two markets sit side by side in your business? “This year has been spectacular for our business in the renovation space. But in all honesty we’ve sat back and waited for the right roof system to come along that would allow us to offer a tile-effect roof that we believe in, and trust. “With the development of UltraRoof380 we’ve had to grow our replacement roof teams in the last few months to cope with the demand. What’s interesting now is that customers recognise the Ultraframe brand so it’s a slam dunk when we offer them the UltraRoof380 system.”

James – are you happy to tell us what sort of numbers you’re installing? “No (laughs), but I can tell you that I’ve lost count how many LivinRoof we’ve done this year and we’ve just completed an UltraRoof380 refurbishment on a conservatory we built ten years ago. I can say we’ve got several UltraRoof380 jobs in the pipeline.” Andrew, you’ve been at Ultraframe, steering innovation and design for many years, is UltraRoof380 the ultimate invention to come out of the team? “The feedback we’re getting from retailers such as James is stunning – no question, we’ve excited home-owners with something that’s at least as good as the real thing, but even better from an installer’s perspective, they can equally enjoy fitting something that looks stunning, but be in and out in less than a day – if that makes UltraRoof380 the ultimate invention I’ll take that.”

Let’s focus on Sheffield Window centre James, finalists in the G-Awards this year, do systems such as UltraRoof380 contribute to your success? “No question – the roof systems we choose are critical to our success. It goes back to the point Andrew made at the start, as a business we’re not after the ‘quick win’ work, we’ve always taken a pragmatic view about the roof replacement market and really held out until we could work with a tile-effect roof that we can have confidence in. This level of trust underpins our entire business from the relationship we have with our suppliers, right through to the trust we engender amongst our customers.”

James, Ultraframe believe its roofs open up new opportunities for retailers, would you agree? “I think ultimately it’s down to the retailer to open up the opportunities, but it’s true inasmuch as we need the systems behind us. “A good example is an UltraRoof380 job we’re underway with in a conservation area, the local conservation officer was blown away by the authenticity of the UltraRoof380 tile. Arguably, this job would have previously gone to a builder using a real slate tile; instead the home-owner will definitely be able to enjoy Christmas in their new extension, a promise we can definitely keep.”

Tel: 01200 44 33 11

www.ultraframe-conservatories.co.uk

www.sheffield-window-centre.co.uk

The post UltraRoof380 whets the refurbishment appetite appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

When it comes to products from Deceuninck, quality is a given. The new Heritage Window Collection not only offers a range of elegant, technologically advanced timber-alternative windows and doors, it also comes with a fully comprehensive marketing support package to ignite any homeowner’s imagination.

“We all know when it comes to retail it’s about creating desire and being able to match an aspiration,” comments Deceuninck’s Rob McGlennon. “Timber holds emotional attachment, especially in an older property, and that’s before you even think about planning and conservation restraints. However, the performance of PVC-U as a material can’t be matched and with ‘timber-alternative’ the current industry buzzword, the Heritage Window Collection is set to realign those aspirations.

“The new Heritage Window Collection comprises of heritage flush, sculptured and chamfered sash windows and doors, that fit perfectly in any property from modern townhouse to country cottage. And to help you sell them? We’ve invested heavily in an unrivalled marketing support package that will support pull through sales along the supply chain, especially for installers.

“For tech-savvy retailers, we have a dedicated website www.heritagewindowcollection.co.uk which includes the facility to download a PDF of our luxury 44-page brochure and contains some stunning imagery. To enhance showrooms, we’ve invested in a bespoke POS stand that can showcase up to 4 Heritage windows in any colour. This is in addition to a beautifully designed pull up banner for smaller showrooms that sits perfectly next to colour swatches and the luxury brochure. For consumer lead generation campaigns, we have designed mailers and postcards which can be overprinted and personally branded.

“If you’re keen to find out more or to see for yourself just how good The Heritage Window Collection and its associated marketing support is, we’d be delighted to arrange a visit for you to our Calne head-quarters. Contact Carol Hearn on 01249 816969 to find out more.”

First job: Trainee manager at Wickes Building Supplies.

When did you join or set up current company: I bought Customade in 2006, together with my founder business partners John Lightowlers and Nick Gibbons. Customade was a well-established business and it was fairly unique as it was both a PVC-U and aluminium fabricator. We saw this as a great opportunity for growth, particularly as demand for aluminium in the domestic market was beginning to rise and was being poorly serviced.

Most useful/favourite gadget: Everyone says this (and for good reason), but it is my iPhone. I have thousands of contacts on there and it does everything I need in and out of the office. I would be lost without it!

Favourite/most useful website: I definitely use our new REAL Aluminium website – real-aluminium.co.uk – more than any other website. There is so much useful, real-time information on there.

Business person you most admire: Steve Brown of Development Plastics was an inspiration when I joined this industry more than 25 years ago. His approach to managing a business and people motivated me in my career. He also understood the importance of a healthy work/life balance.

Recommended hotel for business: I don’t favour chains so I always seek out smaller, private hotels. For me, I like places that have character and offer good service.

Favourite UK restaurant: I love Italian food and there are too many great places in the UK to mention, However, for me, none of them compare to the Nautilus restaurant in Kilifi, Kenya. It’s in a breath-taking setting on a lagoon and the food is sensational.

Best business decision: To make the move from Homesafe Doors 10 years ago and buy Customade. We’ve turned the group from a £5 million business into a £35 million business and it hasn’t stopped growing yet.

Other interests: I am active so I spend lots of time cycling, sailing (dinghy and yacht) and hill-walking. Every year, I set myself a challenge to accomplish something new. I got my skipper’s licence for sailing this year and last year I did the Three Peaks Challenge with colleagues from Customade.

Working Day: I’m predominantly office-based in my role and I usually start the day at around 7.45am after a half hour commute to work. I’m lucky that my drive to work starts in the beautiful Cotswolds, with the added bonus that there is not a single traffic light on the way in to slow me down! I’ll often take calls from customers on my way as many of them like to speak to me before the office opens. When I arrive, I review any customer issues or requests that have been raised the previous day and ensure they are being properly dealt with. It’s my job to ensure that our communication and the product and service we provide for customers are what they expect. This makes for a full day with me liaising with customers and all departments within the business, There’s not much ‘down’ time as I’m constantly on the phone and/or meetings – lunch is usually taken on the move.

Working Location: I’m based in our new premises in Stonehouse, Gloucester. It incorporates a purpose-built 34,000 ft2 aluminium factory, a customer showroom and generous office space. I like the buzz of an open-plan office. I can easily see the flow of work and, with direct access to the factory, I’m close to our production manager to plan schedules and react quickly to customer needs. Our REAL Aluminium customer focus days take place here. We talk about the REAL Aluminium concept, which completely de-mystifies the process of buying aluminium, and show customers the range in our showroom. Customers also see the new factory, which exclusively manufactures our range of REAL aluminium products.

The last 12 months have been busy, but fantastic for the Customade Group. Whilst output in PVC-U has remained relatively steady, aluminium has turned in an amazing performance for the business. In the last 12 months, the scale of our operation has expanded significantly and we have achieved 100 per cent growth in aluminium, which is tremendous. The group supplies a complete range of fenestration products and currently fabricates over 1,000 PVC-U windows, 300 aluminium windows and standard doors, 80 aluminium bi-folds and 150 aluminium Atlas roofs a week. Our specialist glass division Hourglass Seal also produces over 3,500 glass units.  Thanks to some great products, a fantastic team of people and very favourable trading conditions, the Customade Group achieved a £32 million turnover last year. We have ambitious plans to build on this success and are on target to reach £36 million this year. It’s been an incredible year so far and we have yet to reach what is traditionally our busiest period between September and November. A fantastic highlight for us has been launching the REAL Aluminium concept to our customers. Its launch has cut lead times for aluminium to just two weeks and has already helped dozens of installers to grasp exciting new opportunities and earn bigger profits.

Production boom – As we make REAL Aluminium more widely available, we’re anticipating that production rates for our aluminium range will reach a new all-time high. This has led us to one of our biggest recruitment drives and we’re taking on shop floor operators and administrative staff to help us cope with the demand for aluminium. Launching REAL Aluminium was the biggest ever landmark investment that the business has made and it came about because we constantly heard that installers were fed up with all the headaches associated with sourcing aluminium – complicated pricing, painfully slow ordering and long product lead times. We decided it was time to shake up the supply chain. REAL Aluminium breaks through all those barriers and makes sourcing aluminium as easy as PVC-U. Quoting and pricing aluminium is far simpler and there’s a vast array of products in the range. We hold the profiles and components in stock in four colours, so lead times are much faster than average at just two weeks for products within the REAL range. Our investment into REAL Aluminium had to be ambitious to give installers complete confidence in it. We increased our capability with a dedicated aluminium factory and new machinery; we guaranteed to hold more than 100 miles of aluminium extrusions in stock to satisfy those shorter manufacturing lead times; we developed a completely tailored and extensive marketing package and we took delivery of new vehicles to transport our products throughout the UK.

Customer-centred – Our focus within the group is on continuous improvement and helping our installers to grow their businesses. Of course, there are some challenges for a high-volume fabricator and mistakes can happen from time to time. Whilst increasing output is important, it must never be at the expense of good service, so we have invested heavily in developing the right suite of products at the right price, with the right promotion and, crucially, the right customer support behind it. There is a huge commitment within the group to build loyal partnerships with customers and to add value to their businesses. Now, we’re concentrating on helping our installers (both new to and experienced in aluminium) to tap into our expertise in aluminium and to increase their volumes and profit margins.

We work extremely hard to give our installers a high level of confidence in this offering so we ensure that 98% of quotes are completed within 24 hours and we maintain our OTIF (on time in full) record of 99% on the stock range of REAL Products. I firmly believe that one important measure of a company is how it deals with problems so we are always proactive if issues occur at any time. Customer feedback is important to us and we recently carried out an in-depth telephone customer survey among a mixed range of 50 customers. The results were extremely positive and we have taken all the feedback on board to improve our offering even further. REAL Aluminium brings one of the widest ranges of aluminium products available from a single source and, to keep up with demand, we are already extending the range. A new slimline aluminium tilt and turn window and an aluminium-framed composite door will be launched soon.

Investment ‘through the roof’ – We have always re-invested back into the business and this has enabled us to make some bold decisions in the last few years to drive group growth. A pivotal time for us was when we re-launched the Atlas brand. When we bought Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions in 2012, we set ourselves a modest short-term goal to make 15 roofs a week. We smashed the target, and three years on, we’re producing ten times that quantity! Our decision to invest in Atlas paid off and it has strengthened our group offer, enabling installers to source all their products from one well-established source. Unmatched in looks and performance, the Atlas roof was the fastest growing conservatory roof system last year and it will achieve further growth this year as consumer demand for traditional conservatories dwindles in favour of smart glazed extensions. We made a great deal of noise in the industry about the Atlas Skyroom when we launched it in 2015. Our new flat rooflight and the contemporary lantern were unveiled at FIT this year and we were overwhelmed with the number of leads we received for them. Quite simply, they are the kind of products that installers want to fit and consumers want to buy.

Shiny outlook – My advice to installers is to be brave but calculated in your decisions. The exciting and lucrative end of the market is definitely aluminium and installers shouldn’t be afraid to take advantage of the enormous opportunity it offers. It’s important however to select the right supplier and to be sure that they can deliver both on the product and service. Demand for aluminium is rising and, thankfully, the supply chain is catching up with PVC-U. Those installers who embrace the chance to branch into fresh territory and take the time to understand aluminium will be successful. I’m excited and optimistic about the future as we build on these brave commercial aspirations. It’s fantastic to be part of a great team of people who share these ambitions and I’m really looking forward to seeing the Customade Group go from strength to strength.

Tel: 01453 826884

E: info@customade.co.uk

The post John Adams, Customer Service Director at the Customade Group appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

You can’t help but notice the explosion of new marketing channels as businesses jump on the digital band wagon. In recent years, the shift from print and traditional marketing towards digital has been seen as a ‘must’ among sales and marketing professionals.

While there is no question that expertly implemented digital strategies work, having all your eggs in one basket doesn’t – as many B2B companies have discovered to their peril according to market intelligence experts, Insight Data.

Troy Hannam, Insight Data’s Marketing Manager, explains; “The problem is people don’t just live in a digital world. We live in the real world where real interactions occur – every day we are exposed to newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, bill-boards, bus advertising, exhibitions and events, merchandising and more.”

The heavyweight of B2B advertising and lead generation has always been direct marketing, and while it went out of vogue when the ‘new kid on the block’ – digital – made the headlines, it’s not surprising that organisations large and small are moving back to direct marketing in droves.

Online marketing relies on the customer searching for relevant products or services, or coming across the advertising content. Direct marketing interrupts the customer and demands immediate attention – post has to be opened, the telephone has to be answered. Suddenly direct mail, email marketing and telesales are all back on the agenda.

There is another reason why marketers are swinging back towards direct marketing. As more companies invest in digital, the results are diminishing with greater competition and rising acquisition costs. Meanwhile, with fewer companies investing in direct marketing, the impact is greater and the results are even better than before.

The secret to success with direct marketing is the contact list. Using fresh, highly targeted marketing data that identifies your ideal target customer can increase response rates 10-fold. Taking it a stage further, using in-depth market intelligence such as the Insight Data prospect database, direct marketing can produce results digital marketers can only dream about.

For more information on the Insight prospect database, or Insight Data’s outsourced direct marketing service, call 01934 808293 or visit www.insightdata.co.uk

The post Is the marketing pendulum swinging back to direct marketing? appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Four sliding PatioMaster doors have been specified as part of a large-scale renovation project on a Brethdale property. The complete project was supplied and installed by Carlisle-based World Group, and as DirectorMatthew Spooner says, took around 12 months to complete.

“The project was completed in early 2016 and due to the scale of the job it was done across various phases. Compromising a total of four patio doors, three stable doors and 15 casement windows, along with a Juliet balcony to the master bedroom and some external PVC cladding, it was not without its challenges. Cumbria may be an area of picturesque villages and attractive lakes, but it offers many challenges in terms of wind exposure due to our geographical location, so getting the right product to meet the environmental needs was crucial.

“While the property is relatively new in its build, it required a complete refurb and the doors and windows replacing, as certain parts of the property were completely exposed, providing no protection against the elements. The homeowners used quite an unusual stone as part of the refurb on the property exterior and they wanted the new PatioMaster doors to stand out against this, and create a striking focal point. We spent many hours going over samples and colour swatches until we got the balance right, in the ending going for 2 panes in Irish Oak for the exterior and white on the interior. Matching bright chrome hardware completed the doors, and the results were definitely worth it – the property wouldn’t look out of place on Grand Designs!

 “The PatioMaster range perfectly suited what the homeowners were looking for not only in terms of its design choice, but also the attention to detail – the property is now much warmer and secure thanks to the system’s advanced security features and energy efficiency accreditations, including being SBD Accredited.” The property’s owners were very happy with the result from the renovation and commented: “We are thrilled with the work World Group have completed. The colour of the doors is lovely and we were impressed with the way all the staff were considerate, knowledgeable and took pride in their work. We would not hesitate to recommend World Group for a wide range of property improvements – they offered a great product at a great price!”

PatioMaster says the precision made-to-measure and easy to install doors are a popular choice for many installer companies and homeowners thanks to low profile frames, quality construction and security features as well as being available in a range of 19 colours and finishes to suit every style of home.

Having worked with Epwin Group before on a number of projects, World Group has been offering quality home improvements in in Cumbria, South West Scotland and the North East of England for more than 30 years and also offers dedicated support and services for trade customers.

www.patiomaster.co.uk

Experienced home improvements and glazing professional Trevor Hopper, is the latest addition to the growing team at Made For Trade. Having served the industry for almost 40 years, Trevor stated he is ‘immensely proud’ to join the flourishing bi-folding door, lantern roof, and conservatory roof manufacturer as a Trade Sales Manager. In particular, he will be championing and demonstrating the company’s self-designed, Korniche lantern roof to installers and trade customers across the UK.

Trevor explained: “Having known Made For Trade’s directors, Bradley and Richard Gaunt, for a while now, I have always appreciated their innovation and attention to detail. Their focus on product quality, good customer service and competitive pricing has always impressed me so I am absolutely delighted to be joining the company at such an exciting time.”

Having been designed from scratch by Made For Trade, the Korniche lantern roof features components that have never been used in other roofs and fixings that are all hidden to allow for very slim unbroken sightlines. In addition, no trimming or cutting to size of any profile is required on site, with every part connecting together for a quick and easy installation.

The lantern requires no silicone sealant in the roof structure itself, with the only silicone required being between the base of the eaves beam and the existing structure. The Korniche is also fully thermally broken to give the lowest U-values and features an innovative all-in-one glass lock and retainer to ensure the locating and locking of the glass is easy and secure.

Trevor added: “I can’t wait to get behind the company’s new Korniche lantern roof – it is a fabulous, innovative creation and just what the market is looking for right now. It benefits both homeowners and installers with its aesthetically pleasing appearance, expertly engineered design, and quick installation.”

He continued: “I am looking forward to getting out in the field, meeting customers and demonstrating this new and unique product to them. Anyone involved in the Lantern Roof market really owes it to themselves to see what all the excitement is about!”

Managing Director, Bradley Gaunt, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Trevor into the Made For Trade family. His vast experience in the sector will be a great advantage for us as we continue to expand the company and increase production on all of our products“.

Trevor’s appointment comes as the company celebrate another successful year, having expanded factory space significantly for the third year running, increased employee numbers to over 80, added more vehicles to their delivery fleet, and ordered extra CNC machines to help aid production.

In addition, Made For Trade made their debut as an exhibitor at the FIT Show in April, where they unveiled the Korniche to an overwhelming positive response. They are due to attend the event again with a larger stand in 2017, when the show moves to the Birmingham NEC.

For more information on the Korniche lantern roof, contact Made For Trade on 01642 610799 or visit www.korniche.co.uk . If you would like to see a demonstration of the Korniche at your premises, please call Trevor Hopper, Korniche Trade Sales Manager, on 07712 674982.

The post Trevor Hopper, Trade Sales Manager at Made For Trade appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.