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Bespoke timber specialist, West Port, has announced that its FD30 fire doors have been proven to withstand fires for 40% longer than the legal requirement.

To achieve an FD30 rating, products have to hold flames at bay for 30 minutes. Subjected to testing by both Cambridge Fire Research and BRE, West Port says that its door managed to withstand temperatures in excess of 800 degrees Celsius for 42 minutes seven seconds, or 40% longer.

Ken Mercer, West Port commercial sales director, commented: “After the terrible tragedy at Grenfell, fire safety is being talked about more than it has for decades.

“It’s clear that for far too long, attitudes towards fire safety have been too lax, and it’s the responsibility of everyone in the construction industry to help ensure nothing like this happens again.

“It’s frighteningly common for manufacturers to test their fire door components separately, rather than testing the completely assembled door set. That can lead to products with FD30 products that only last a fraction of the time they’re supposed to. We’ve come across FD30 fire doors that fail in under 15 minutes before, which is simply unacceptable.

“At West Port, we treat fire safety with the utmost seriousness – and our fire-rated products are among the most robust and reliable in the industry. We treat 30 minutes as a bare minimum, not a target – and because of that, we’re delighted, but not surprised, to see our product perform so well in testing.”

Cumbria-based West Port is one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of timber windows and doors, known for its extensive product range, quick lead times and uncompromising commitment to quality.

The post Fire door excels in test appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Neil Peck, the founder of Phoenix Doors, has retired after nearly a quarter of a century at the helm of the company he set up to make PVC-U panel doors. Established as Phoenix Door Panels in 1993, the Somersham firm has grown steadily and successfully over the years with the addition of composite doors in 2008 taking it to new levels of growth. Its acquisition by the Masco UK Window Group in 2013 saw sales rise from £10.5 million to £17 million currently. Commenting on Neil’s departure in October, Haydon Statham, Phoenix Doors Sales Director said: “At the age of 48, Neil has flown and we wish him all the best for the future. After phenomenally driving Phoenix forward from 1993 to 2017, he has left the company in a very healthy position with growing composite door sales in our new larger Huntingdon building.

“He’s thoroughly enjoyed what has been a very successful journey, taking Phoenix from its inception to the 700-composite doors a week and rapidly-growing company that it is today.”

Describing Neil as one of the ‘real Old School true Gents’, Tony Morris, Operations Manager at Crystal Windows and Doors, Romford, said: “Having successfully traded with Phoenix for more than 17 years, we have to say that much of this should be attributed to the outstanding service, commitment and integrity demonstrated by Neil, who has always worked with us and managed to manage our expectations to the highest degree. “We are sure that his experience and management skills will have already been instilled in those he leaves behind at Phoenix and we look forward to continuing working with them and sharing the same level of service and trading relationship, which we have no doubt will continue. We wish Neil all the success for the future and knowing him like we do will always be on hand to help those who need him.” Neil attributed his decision to the fact that the ‘time is right’ and said he’s looking forward to some ‘me time’ However, he says: “I shall do something and it may have nothing to do with this industry at all; maybe something completely new.” Haydon added: “He’s not mentioned any immediate plans – I think he’s going to enjoy a bit of a rest in the sunshine!”

The post Founder of Phoenix Doors Neil Peck retires after 25 years at the helm appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

The GGF Group has announced the appointment of Billy Quinn as managing director of its commercial subsidiary companies – FENSA, GGFi, BFRC, RISA and Borough IT.

According to the GGF, Billy Quinn is a ‘highly accomplished’ business leader, commercial director and non-executive director who brings a wealth of experience to the GGF Group.

Most recently as commercial director for the online digital training provider CCUK, he has also successfully held senior commercial roles within several blue chip retailing groups including HRG, Kingfisher and B&Q. Additionally, Billy has experience in the not-for-profit sector, holding the position of non-executive board chair of The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO).

Billy joins the GGF Group at a time of steady growth and also during a transitional period of restructure. With this appointment the GGF Group aims to strengthen its commercial arm which will subsequently benefit all connected to the Federation.

The post GGF appoints new commercial MD appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Corgi Services has announced the results of a consumer awareness survey, that it says reveals that the Corgi name is recognised by 74% of consumers in England, Scotland and Wales.

The next three bodies behind Corgi recognised by consumers in the same survey were: BSI (British Standards Institution) – 64%; FTA (Fair Trades Association) – 50%; FMB (Federation of Master Builders) – 40%. According to Corgi, no glazing sector trade bodies’ names were included in the survey.

“The strength of the Corgi brand is the main reason we approached Corgi Services to licence us to operate in the window and doors sector,” explained Corgi Fenestration CEO, Chris Mayne.

“We know the Corgi name is recognised for trust, reliability, expertise and quality. This meshes perfectly with our belief that the fenestration sector is crying out for a quality mark that recognises the best – not a set of lowest common denominator, minimum legal requirements. Many highly reputable companies in our sector are committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining to the highest standards possible and want to set themselves apart from the rest of the industry. Corgi Fenestration lets them do that by using a mark instantly recognised not just by UK consumers, but also by everyone working in the glazing sector.

“I think I am being proved right – as we have been overwhelmed with the positive response from the industry. But Corgi Fenestration is not for everyone – if you are not committed to quality then it’s not for you.

“We also wanted to extend that quality mark to include qualifications,” Mayne concluded. “The Corgi Fenestration skills card accepts the most recognised glazing sector NVQs – those assessed by GQA Qualifications and their highly experienced team. They are based on National Occupational Standards and regulated by Ofqual. It also recognises GQA approved in-house courses. Our vision is that the most highly qualified members of the industry’s workforce – installers, surveyors, manufacturing employees – will soon be carrying a Corgi Fenestration card.”

The post Consumers comprehend Corgi appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Phoenix Doors, part of Masco UK Window Group, is ceasing production of PVC door panels from mid-November 2017 to focus on its successful composite door manufacturing operation. Commenting on the ‘strategic commercial decision’ to cease panel manufacturing, Haydon Statham, Sales Director at Cambridgeshire-based Phoenix Doors said: “It’s a purely commercial decision and we looked long and hard at doing this because in our heyday we were making up to 1,500 panels per week. More recently this had dropped to around 800. Losing panel manufacture will free up the space, time and manpower in our bigger Huntingdon factory to concentrate on rising demand for our composite doors, which we introduced in 2008. Since then, composite door sales have continued to go up and they are our future.”

Saying ‘goodbye’ to the PVC door panel, Haydon added: “Having worked with PVC door panels for 16 years, 11 of those with Phoenix, it’s a sad thing for me, but good in other ways. Phoenix was started and built up on manufacturing panels. Subsequently entering the composite door market in 2008 has taken the company to where it is today. We see composite doors as a growing part of the market for the next three to five years. Our composite door sales continue to grow rapidly with existing and new customers selling more and there are still markets that we can tap into. It’s onward and upward for Phoenix!” Phoenix Doors was founded as Phoenix Door Panels by Neil Peck in 1993 manufacturing PVC door panels. Composite doors were added to the range at the end of 2008. The company was acquired by Masco UK Window Group in 2013.

The post Phoenix Doors announces ceasing of PVC door panel manufacturing appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

With insurance and energy contract renewals consistently in the headlines, as a nation, consumers are said to be moving away from auto‐renewing policies, in favour of finding great new deals and better customer service. According to Certass, it’s no different for window installation companies, who are looking for a better service on competent person schemes (CPS).

MD at Certass, Jason Clemmit, explained: “Competent person schemes are an essential part of any installer’s remit. Self‐certifying installations is just part and parcel of the job for them, so that’s why at Certass, we make it as simple and straightforward as possible to transfer to a scheme with friendly, helpful support and technical teams”

With schemes covering more than 2.5 million installed products, Certass claims to have one of the most comprehensive certification schemes in the industry that, it says, can provide schemes for all aspects of work, from windows to roofline. Once registered with Certass, installers can register jobs within 48 hours – with completed jobs certified as soon as an on‐site audit is signed off – and can also take advantage of extra benefits, including low‐cost public liability and business insurance, and the Trust Mark Scheme. Certass is waiving joining fees for new installers who register before 15 January 2018.

Jason added: “Historically, certification bodies have run CPS without offering added value for installers, but that’s where we’re different. Our schemes are designed by tradespeople, for tradespeople, so we can be sure that we offer the best schemes, backed by helpful and friendly service.”

www.certass.co.uk

The post Make a switch appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

KÖMMERLING have launched a smooth slate grey foil (one side) for the C70 Gold® window and PremiLine patio door systems, in response to customer demand for an additional shade of grey.

This new introduction takes the number of stock foiled options from KÖMMERLING for the C70 Gold® window and PremiLine patio door systems to 11, out of a range of over 80 foils in total. The trend towards anthracite grey (RAL 7016) and smooth slate grey (RAL 7015) is not only in the UK market, but accounts for nearly 1 in every 2 PVCu windows installed in Europe.

Sales growth of foiled products has been strong throughout 2017 for KÖMMERLING and the prospects for 2018 look particularly good, given the impending launch of System 76 as Stefan Seidel, managing director of profine UK explains: ‘Investment in new foils from stock is important for our customers who recognise the premium quality of our products and in the way in which we do business. But now our focus is towards a major systems launch.

‘With the System 76 launch just a few months away with dedicated casement, flush casement and fully reversible profiles, it will make for the most complete and technically led PVCu window and door systems in the UK market. Hybrid options, lift and slide doors and a unique patio door option with soft-close technology, fully back-up these claims and we’re eager to see the first products manufactured in just a few months.’

For KÖMMERLING information, including System 76, on becoming a manufacturing partner, approved installer or as a building specifier, call 01543 444900, e-mail enquiries@profine-group.com or visit www.kommerling.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter @kommerling_uk.

Picture above: Global Glass, Glass Company of the Year

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) was delighted at the success of the recent G17 Awards held at London’s Park Lane Hilton.

The GGF and FENSA (a sister company of the GGF) were major sponsors of the event and both organisations put up special awards to make the occasion even more memorable.

The GGF Lifetime Achievement Award went to Greg O’Donoghue of Just Windows and Doors for his outstanding contribution to the industry and the FENSA Installation of the Year Award went to Artisan Conservatories and Windows.

The GGF also sponsored the Glass Company of the Year Award which was won by Global Glass.

As well as the three sponsored awards, the GGF also celebrated Members winning in eight of the twelve remaining categories. The winning GGF Members are listed below and the GGF offers congratulations to all the winners of G17.

COMPONENT SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

Mila

CUSTOMER CARE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

Glassolutions

FABRICATOR OF THE YEAR

Glazerite UK Group

INSTALLER OF THE YEAR

SEH BAC

NEW PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Deceuninck

PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR – RETAIL

SEH BAC

G17 UNSUNG HERO AWARD

Danny Barnett, Solidor

DEREK BONNARD AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Thermoseal Group

James Lee, GGF Group Director of Marketing and Communications commented:

“It was a fantastic evening at the G17 Awards and a memorable night for the GGF and FENSA. Congratulations to the all the winners and thanks to the organisers for yet another superb event.”

www.ggf.org.uk

Greg O’Donoghue received The GGF Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the industry at the G17 Awards recently.

Greg – who was a co-founder of Fensa and who worked to ensure that glazing was included in the TrustMark scheme – won the award after 35 years in the industry, during which he is said to have become one of the most influential individuals in the domestic glazing sector.

In 2000, Greg was elected GGF president and then in 2002 as chairman of FENSA, he negotiated with government to bring about legislative change for the benefit of the industry and consumers.

Since then, Greg has reportedly been a consistent ‘industry champion’ on many fronts including, increasing consumer protection, improving the installation industry standards and campaigning to overcome barriers for glazing in the conservation areas.

He commented: “I am truly stunned but delighted to have won this award. I can only thank my colleagues at Just Windows and Doors and all those connected to the GGF, who have helped me throughout my time in the industry.”

James Lee, GGF director of group marketing, said: “Greg is always accessible to offer advice and promote the industry. His work for the GGF and Fensa has constantly been for the greater good and not for his own personal gain. He is most deserving of the GGF Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The post Lifetime achievement award for Greg O’Donoghue appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).