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Yorkshire-based Spectus Approved Window Contractor Jade Windows has won a second contract for the award-winning Yorkare care home group after installing more than 200 casement windows and patio doors in the group’s most recent addition.

Yorkare, with its motto ‘Homes of Distinction’ and homes around the Humberside area, has a reputation for quality in everything it does so it naturally expects the best from its contractors, as Jade’s Ryan Fozard explained: “Everything has to be finished to the highest standard, in appearance as well as function, so we were especially pleased to be asked back to work on the next project.”

The first contract was for the conversion of the former Lindsey Lower School in Cleethorpes via main contractor Hobson & Porter. Jade made and installed the windows in the Spectus Elite 70 Bevelled system in Anthracite grey smooth foil finish for a new-built extension which formed a major part of the home behind the school’s original Victorian frontage.

Just one example of the client’s insistence on detail was the access control on the doors, as Ryan explained: “The PVC-U doors had to be specially routered out to fit electric drop bolts so that all the mechanisms were out of sight. This is something you don’t hear of every day but with Jade’s “customer first” attitude & Spectus’s technical team providing first class advice, the customer achieved their desired look.

Jade has been fabricating and installing the Spectus Elite system for over 20 years on a wide range of commercial projects, including a number of care homes. The Yorkshire-based company is also an established member of the Spectus Approved Window Contractor Network.

Mike Beal, the main contractor’s Construction Director, said: “Jade delivered a robust and competitive solution. Everything was completed on time, without problems and the finished product looked superb. We knew that this client expected the highest standards throughout; we had every confidence in Jade and this is reflected by the fact that we were happy to bring them in on the next Yorkare contract.”

The next Yorkare project for Jade, a new-build at Beverely, is now underway and expected to be completed by the coming autumn.

www.spectus.co.uk

Image Above: Colin Eadie, director, CR Smith Manufacturing

The commercial arm of windows and conservatories company CR Smith, (CR Smith Manufacturing Limited), which employs 90 at its factory in Fife, has reported a rise in both turnover and gross profits for the year ending 29 February 2016.

Sales rose to £7.5m (2015: £7.3m); gross profits were up to £1.8m (2015: £1.7m), although profits after tax were down £21k on 2015 at £108k, following capital investment in new plant and machinery.

CR Smith Manufacturing Limited has responded to increasing demand from new build developers. Now working with a number of leading housebuilders, the firm has continued to invest in its factory to meet increasing volumes and maintain quality.

During the year the company invested in two significant projects introducing a fully automated cutting and prepping line and a glass plant wash and press facility.  This continued investment follows on from a state-of-the art production line in 2015 and is part of an ongoing investment programme. The directors are confident that these investments will maintain the firm’s capability for producing a quality product and provide capacity for future growth.

George Eadie, Director, said: “Our commercial business is steadily growing. We have a strong proposition for new build developers including a high quality bespoke product, delivered reliably and efficiently because of the power and capabilities of our factory. As we continue to market ourselves to this sector, we can see the commercial arm of CR Smith expanding and have been planning accordingly.”

The figures were reported ahead of the accounts for CR Smith (Glaziers) Limited, which supplies windows, doors and conservatories to the domestic market.

The sensational headlines created from the recent comments by an Assistant Chief Constable highlight again the important role windows and doors play in communities’ safety and security. Phil Kay, the Assistant Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, has suggested that some burglaries where windows and doors had been left open would not be investigated. He was reacting to a spate of burglaries that had occurred within the student community at Loughborough University. His comments caused outrage as the national press led with headlines such as ‘Left a door unlocked? Police won’t investigate burglary’ and ‘Now Police blame victims for being burgled’, as they reported his stance that he would rather his officers focus on preventing crime and protecting the public than spending their time investigating break-ins where carelessness may have played a part. Phil Kay pointed out: “Yet if people leave doors for windows open there is an expectation the Police will investigate,” Kay later responded by claiming his comments were taken out of context, and the Leicestershire Police clarified its stance by saying: “If as a consequence of this debate, people think and act differently regarding the security of their homes and from now on always keep their windows and doors locked, we will hopefully have prevented someone from becoming a victim of burglary.”

The story brings into focus the importance of windows and doors in the protection of people’s homes. We are often pre-occupied with selling the aesthetic benefits of replacing windows and doors, and sometimes gloss over the safety and security benefits because they are features we take for granted being inbuilt in the DNA of the majority of the products we sell. Yet for homeowners safety and security are often the real heartfelt tangible benefits of upgrading their fenestration products. This year we have witnessed the development and progression of the smart home sector with safety and security high on the agenda. With stories such as the one quoted hitting the headlines, consumers will be asking for tech-led solutions. A mobile phone app that allows them to check if their windows and doors are shut would relieve any fears and prevent the Police from not investigating a burglary or an insurer not paying out. Selling on security is more important than ever, and it doesn’t have to feature complicated systems. I have been testing a new wireless door bell that connects via video to my smart phone (page 6) – a fantastic addition to any new door installation offering inexpensive added safety and security. Homeowners love aesthetics but want the peace of mind that added safety and security offer.

John Cowie – Editor

The post The importance of windows and doors in the protection of people’s homes appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Many home-improvements programmes like Grand Designs have introduced thousands of homeowners to the opportunity to welcome in vast amounts of natural light into their home and seamlessly blend inside and out, through excellent bifolding doors.

However, programmes like this always feature new build projects with large budgets, which allow homeowners to choose luxury bifold doors made from aluminium. Whilst they are an excellent solution, their price means they can be out of reach for the average homeowner. To meet this demand, installers need to offer an alternative that can match the versatility and performance of aluminium bifolds at a more accessible price, and uPVC is the answer.

Whilst uPVC bifolds of old weren’t the best quality and therefore not offered by installers, modern uPVC bifolds can provide a cost-effective yet functional and practical way for any homeowner to enjoy expansive views and transform their property.

At Warwick North West, we offer our Innolux uPVC bifolding doors. It is our unique stamp on Eurocell’s Aspect profile, offering the same, slim sightlines that draws many to aluminium and maximises natural light. With a more rounder appearance compared to aluminium, the bifold perfectly complements existing uPVC windows providing a clean, consistent design across the home.

Much like aluminium solutions, installers can offer uPVC bifolds in a range of colours and wood effect finishes so homeowners can further the premium look. With two to six panel configurations and openings up to 2.3 metres high and 6 metres across, uPVC bifolds are a viable option for any property. What’s more, thanks to unique D handles, the concertina-style doors can fold back flat to produce a 90% opening, making uPVC bifolds just as functional and effective as aluminium or timber.

There is no compromise on security or efficiency either. The Aspect profile from Eurocell boasts a six-chambered design meaning better thermal insulation reducing heat loss and air tight seals, which keep out draughts. It is also made from the highest quality uPVC, a robust and durable solution that can provide homeowners with a consistent and reliable service for many years to come.

In conclusion, uPVC bifolds provide the perfect solution to allow installers to offer a premium, practical and effective bifold door at both ends of the market. Advancements in the market have meant uPVC has been able to close the gap to aluminium meaning homeowners can take advantage of many of the same benefits of aluminium including style, security and design for the price of more accessible uPVC.

Yours sincerely,

Greg Johnson, Director – Warwick North West

For decades, it’s led the way in premium-quality timber and uPVC windows and doors, bringing a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and exceptional customer service to customers around the country – and now Pontefract fabricator Dempsey Dyer is turning 40.

Founded in 1977 by brothers Tom and Bob Dyer, the business began life as a Yorkshire joinery, producing timber doors and windows for local installers. It wasn’t long before the company diversified, however, beginning to offer uPVC products alongside its established timber portfolio. By 1984, it had switched its uPVC supplier to Deceuninck – laying the foundations of a close, mutually beneficial relationship that’s endured to the present day.

In 2017, Dempsey Dyer isn’t just a well-regarded fabricator with an unparalleled range of uPVC, timber and composite window and door products – it’s one of the industry’s most respected brands. Its market-leading timber range places emphasis on sustainability, using ethically sourced hardwoods and following a ‘Durability by Design’ philosophy that aims to ensure products are operating at their peak for decades, not years.

Its Deceuninck offering, comprising both the 2500 and 2800 series profile systems, is one of the most extensive in the industry – and with the Beaumont, the firm marries its decades of expertise in both timber and uPVC to produce an incredibly authentic, energy efficient composite window that delivers traditional aesthetics with very modern performance.

“We’re extremely proud of our history as a long-standing, family-run business at a time when that’s becoming increasingly rare,” commented Managing Director Peter Dyer, son of co-founder Tom. “We combine traditional values with innovative, modern manufacturing – a commitment to quality, durability, and forging strong partnerships with our valued customers with environmental responsibility.”

“We’re delighted to be celebrating forty years in business – especially as we enjoy one of the busiest, most successful periods in our history. Inevitably, the future will bring its changes and challenges that need to be overcome. But going forward, our focus will be the same as its always been – on producing the best, highest quality products we possibly can, offering our customers the widest choice we possibly can, and providing doing our utmost to help installers win more business and grow.”

For more information call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk

Professor Noble Francis

Construction output is expected to grow by 0.8% in 2017, 0.7% in 2018 and 2.2% in 2019 according to the latest forecasts by the Construction Products Association (CPA). Whilst the forecast shows that the industry will maintain its post-referendum momentum, it also masks a considerable variation in fortunes across the key construction sectors.

In particular, growth to 2019 is expected to be primarily driven by a 28.0% increase in infrastructure activity and a 6.1% increase in private house building, which would offset expected falls in commercial and industrial construction.

Noble Francis, economics director at the Construction Products Association, said: “Near-term prospects for construction appear bright with industry growth boosted by several new billion pound infrastructure projects across the country such as the Thames Tideway Tunnel, HS2 and Hinkley Point C and the government’s £23 billion National Productivity Investment Fund. A rise in infrastructure output is expected to ensure positive growth for the construction industry overall if the government can ensure it delivers on its announcements.”

House building is also expected to remain a key source of output growth, with private house building starts rising at 2.0% per year between 2017 and 2019. Noble Francis commented: “Construction industry prospects should also be boosted by a positive outlook from major house builders, who appear willing to increase supply as they take advantage of rising house prices in an undersupplied market. The exception to this is the high-profile niche of prime residential in central London, where there is already an oversupply of properties and sharply falling prices, which we expect to persist over the next 12-18 months.

“Substantial risks to growth remain however as the fall in the value of Sterling is leading to increased import and raw materials costs. On the demand side, whilst the uncertainty post-Referendum has not impacted activity on site as yet, it appears to be affecting areas that require high upfront investment for a long-term rate of return such as commercial offices and industrial factories. Both have seen new contract awards fall and this is likely to feed through into falls in sector activity from the second half of this 2017.

“Despite these concerns, infrastructure and private housing are anticipated to ensure that the construction industry grows between 2017 and 2019, providing an extra £5.3 billion of economic activity for the construction industry and wider UK economy.”

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Endurance Doors’ Stephen Nadin

Composite door manufacturer, Endurance Doors, reports that it has received a record number of trade enquiries over the last five months.

Endurance says it has enjoyed an influx of more than 200 firm trade enquiries from companies ‘looking for a better performing entrance door’. Several of these enquiries have been for the flagship Endurance Plus product which boasts a 75mm triple seal door frame, Secured by Design as standard and premium hardware features.

Endurance says it will be looking to invest in all aspects of the business during the course of the year, which will also include several new product developments and a further extension to its marketing programme for lead generation.

Stephen Nadin, managing director of Endurance Doors, commented: “With record levels of trade enquires coming in, we fully expect to achieve our bold sales forecasts this year, which should again result in us cementing our position as the fastest growing company in the sector. Further product developments are already planned, while we will be supporting our customers with even more pre-qualified leads as our marketing programme looks set to intensify.”

www.endurancedoors.co.uk

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Image Above: Morley Glass & Glazing managing director, Ian Short

Morley Glass & Glazing is celebrating a successful start to 2017 following an exciting 12 months at the company that included relocating to a new site, enabling the business to start work on a new showroom and increase production volumes in its best-selling products.

The £1m move to the new 50,000sq ft premises in July last year enabled the business to effectively double its production capacity and, just six months later, Morley Glass and Glazing is already reporting a 30% increase in order volume for its popular Uni Blinds® sealed units with ScreenLine® integral blinds inside.

Currently, the business is adding the finishing touches to a state-of-the-art showroom, located on-site, which will offer Morley’s clients a unique opportunity to get hands on with a number of the company’s products, and find out more about the benefits they offer.

Ian Short, managing director at Morley Glass, said: “Our hope when we moved to the new premises was that it would allow us to work more efficiently, as well as invest in new machinery and take on more staff. There has been a lot of upheaval and change at the business over the last year but seeing the kind of results we are now achieving makes it all worthwhile.

“We are now looking forward to what the next 12 months will hold for the business, including the introduction of exclusive new ScreenLine® products, and I feel confident that we are on track to easily achieve the same kind of growth throughout 2017.”

The only UK supplier of integral blinds to have dedicated customer support engineers on the road, Morley Glass & Glazing has recently added four vehicles to its fleet, as well as welcoming five new members of staff.

The business has achieved all this and more while ensuring it is still able to provide the widest choice of integral blinds in double and triple glazed units, with all manual, solar and motorised versions available in the industry’s shortest lead-time of 10 days from any Friday.

Find out more about Morley Glass & Glazing at www.morleyglass.co.uk