Aldi & Lidl Dominating the Supermarket Space Race

Discount retailers Aldi and Lidl continue to press ahead with their ambitious growth plans, with the two combining for a total of 128 planning applications submitted for new stores across the UK in 2017.

According to data from industry analysts Barbour ABI, Lidl submitted 68 planning applications for new stores last year, followed closely by Aldi with 60. The traditional ‘Big Four’ lagged behind with a meagre total of 20 planning applications (Tesco eight, Sainsbury’s seven, Morrison’s four and Asda one). Property cost issues and an excess of floor space from larger stores has contributed to the...

Senior specified for new Leeds private rental scheme

Aluminium windows and doors from leading fenestration manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems have been chosen for the new X1 Aire private rented scheme in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Located in the heart of Leeds city centre, the glazing package for the new residential scheme has been delivered by Aire Valley Architectural Aluminium Ltd for main contractor Bardsley Construction. Senior’s thermally broken SPW600e aluminium fixed light windows were specified to offer extra security and improved thermal efficiency, with Senior’s robust SPW501 aluminium doors, which have been designed to meet the requirements of PAS 24 and the Secured By Design standard, installed to the ground floor communal entrance.

The acoustic performance of Senior’s SPW600e aluminium windows has been enhanced through the use of special acoustic double glazing which helps to reduce the traffic noise from the nearby main road. Maximising the flow of natural light, Senior’s aluminium windows also provide residents with attractive views of the River Aire and complement the brickwork façade of the building.

Comprising some 147 high quality apartments and five penthouses, the new X1 Aire scheme is the latest addition to the portfolio of UK based developer X1 and has been designed by DK Architects.

For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

A New Conference For The Glass And Glazing Industry Has Been Confirmed

This is a promoted article by Insight Data

The industry’s top business leaders, directors and senior management will converge near Birmingham for a major industry conference and debate in May.

The 2018 Glazing Summit is a powerful forum for fabricators, installers, glass companies, distributors and material suppliers to come together and discuss key industry issues and trends.

A line-up of experts will debate the ‘new landscape’ as opportunities and threats emerge across the industry; from the impact of Brexit and the housing crisis, the latest marketing trends, new developments in products and materials and disruptive technologies.

The Summit promises to tackle current issues...

MWBC (M Webster Building Contractors) implement rapid growth with trusted consumables supplier Quest

Warwickshire based, MWBC, have been building bespoke homes since 1989. MWBC pride themselves on offering a one-stop solution. Design and concepts begin with their architectural team and are consolidated by a range of talented in-house teams, from building, plastering, joinery, plumbing, electrical plus all the other services required to bring each project to a successful completion. Managing Director, Mark Webster commented, “We offer a total building solution - each element of the build is completed by one of our in-house teams, and that process gives us total control over our resources and project timelines”.

MWBC have heavily re-invested profits back into...

Rapid growth in the commercial glazing sector to stall - Palmer

A new report from Palmer Market Research suggests that the rapid growth seen across the commercial glazing sector may be about to stall in ‘some areas’.

According to the new The Commercial Glazing Markets 2017, published at the end of last year, four –years of consistent growth meant that the commercial glazing market was 16% up on 2012, while in installed value, it jumped by more than 41%.

The report, which charts the performance of windows, curtain walling, roof glazing, shop fronts and entrance doors, shows that even over the last two years growth was as high as 6% and 10% respectively.

This, the report’s authors argue, was driven by a ‘resurgence in the commercial offices sector’ and to a lesser extent the education sector, the two single largest areas of the market.

They state, however, that the unexpected result of the Brexit referendum has to a greater or lesser extent, depending on segment within it, hit confidence throughout the commercial glazing sector.

Commercial Glazing Market in Great Britain 2010 to 2021

Installed Value £bn

Robert Palmer, Managing Director, Palmer Market Research, said: “...

GAI welcomes Hackitt recommendations

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) has welcomed the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety and Dame Judith Hackitt’s interim report, ‘Building a Safer Future’.

The Hackitt review was established shortly after the Grenfell Tower fire, and has focused primarily on improving fire safety in high-rise residential blocks and other complex buildings.

However, the report also looks at what can be done more broadly to address perceived system failings in the building regulatory system and deeper cultural problems in the construction industry around regulatory compliance and responsibility. The interim report provides the findings to date and direction of travel for the review, ahead of a final report expected to

UNIQUE APEER-MODO DOOR INSTALLATION GIVES KERB APPEAL

The highly-acclaimed Modo composite door range from Apeer has been used in a home renovation project in Broughshane, Co. Antrim.

Apeer’s Ryan Burnett was looking to replace the old single glazed door on his property with not only a highly secure and efficient replacement, but also a door that could be completely personalised to suit the external look of the property.

As part of the IT team on the Apeer FIT Show stand at the NEC in Birmingham last year, Ryan was able to see firsthand the latest offerings on the Modo composite door collection, which...

Obituary – Jon Skinner

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our colleague and dear friend Jon Skinner who died on Friday 29th December, 2017.

Jon had worked in the glazing industry for more than 40 years and spent his latter years as Commercial Director of Epwin Window Systems, a role which he was proud to have and thoroughly enjoyed before ill health prevented him from continuing.

Jon began his career serving an apprenticeship for BKL Alloys and soon found himself working in one of their newly formed companies, Scope Aluminium, which became a market leader in the aluminium home improvements sector at that time. Over the following years Jon worked with some of the industry leaders and help build some highly recognised brands in the industry while making some life-long friends.

Jon has also chaired the marketing committee of the British Plastics Window Group, working to promote the industry and the benefits of its products. With his infectious enthusiasm

5 LEKA Roofs fitted on 5 conservatories in 5 consecutive days

Over recent months trade fabricator Modplan Ltd has reported a rise in sales of their LEKA roof systems as more installers capitalise on the benefits that feature-rich orangery roofs and solid-roof conservatory solutions can add to their business. This trend is showing little signs of decline as witnessed during the run up to Christmas when 5 LEKA roofs were installed on 5 conservatories over 5 consecutive days by one company!

Heidi Sachs, Managing Director of Modplan explains: “When we launched the LEKA roof products we knew they were a game changer in conservatory roof design. With a choice of solid-roof...

Gold for green: Sustainable energy efficiency with insulbar RE

Gold for green: Sustainable energy efficiency with insulbar RE Ensinger\'s insulating profile made of 100 % recycled polyamide receives the Cradle to Cradle Material Health Certificate in gold Saving energy, reducing CO2 emissions, conserving resources – Ensinger was early to recognize the signs of the times. By 2013, the plastics specialist was the first manufacturer to launch a recycled insulating profile for the thermal separation of aluminum windows, doors and façades. Since then, insulbar RE has been providing additional points for the certification of buildings worldwide with its Environmental Product Declaration. Its outstanding sustainability is now additionally confirmed by a...

BUMPER ORDERS CONTINUE FOR MANUFACTURERS THROUGH TO YEAR END – CBI INDUSTRIAL TRENDS SURVEY

Manufacturing order books were stable and close to a 30 year high in the three months to December, according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey.

In the survey of 371 manufacturers, strong overall order books were driven by Motor Vehicles and Transport Equipment, and Mechanical Engineering sectors, although the strength was broad-based with 14 out of 17 sub-sectors reporting that order books were above normal. Export order books weakened slightly compared with November’s record levels, but remained strong.

Output growth was steady at a brisk pace in the three months to December, at a rate that was far above the long-run average.

However, respondents still expect output growth to moderate over the next quarter.

Manufacturers expect output prices to rise at the fastest rate since June in the quarter ahead, while stock adequacy deteriorated to below its long-run average.

Anna Leach, CBI Head of Economic Intelligence, said:

“As we head towards the end of 2017, UK manufacturers’ total order books remain at a near 30 high

dhf welcomes tougher Building Regulation and Fire Safety recommendations

dhf (Door & Hardware Federation) has welcomed recommendations made in the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety’s Interim Report, published on 18 December, in particular, that those working on the design, construction, inspection and maintenance of complex and high-risk buildings are suitably qualified.

“We fully support the proposals presented by this report, particularly pertaining to appropriate qualification of those responsible for manufacture, installation, repair and maintenance,” says dhf’s CEO, Bob Perry. “We have been actively lobbying for this and are pleased to work with other bodies in the industry to achieve this objective.

“The issue of competence is crucial to fire doors as to many other systems within the building. In the case of fire doors, however, the system is uniquely vulnerable to damage caused by use and abuse.

Hackitt Review to reform Building Regs backed by FMB

The initial findings of the Hackitt Review offer a positive step forward to address a multitude of failings within the construction industry and among its regulators, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “We welcome the interim findings of the Hackitt Review which make clear that there is much for the construction industry and its regulators to address post-Grenfell. The FMB submitted a detailed response to the Review and many of our points have been reflected in its initial findings. In particular, we welcome the acknowledgement that although some safety-critical tradespeople, for example gas engineers, must be registered for different types of work, others do not have such requirements. We are also pleased that

Selecta Systems Voted Systems Company 2017

Selecta Systems have rounded off, what can only be described as a fantastic year, by being voted Systems Company 2017 at the National Fenestration Awards 2017. So, why is it, that a business that celebrated its 35th anniversary earlier in the year, are now beginning to win accolades and be firmly recognised as one of the fastest growing and most progressive PVCu window and door system extruders and suppliers in the industry? Sales Director, Andy Green, and Marketing Manager, Mark Walker, who have over 50 years of loyal service between them at Selecta, talk openly and honestly about the whys and wherefores behind the Selecta renaissance.

“Firstly, we are absolutely thrilled to be voted Systems Company 2017 and would like to thank everyone who nominated and voted for ourselves, as this award really does mean a lot to everyone at Selecta. The great thing about the NFA’s is that all the awards are nominated by and voted for by your industry peers, which for me, there is no greater recognition than from those that work in the industry, day in day out, so thank you again. The award also epitomises and recognises the amount of hard work that the team have put in to win this accolade. It truly is the icing on the cake for what has been a fantastic year for Selecta!” said Andy.

Dunster House Celebrates 20 Year Partnership with Selecta Systems

More than 90% of MPs think that converting empty spaces above shops could help reverse the current housing shortage, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The survey results, which have been published today alongside a new research report by the FMB entitled ‘Homes on our high streets’, shows that MPs believe converting empty spaces above shops could have a number of positive consequences, including:

· 94% of MPs believe it could reverse the housing shortage in their constituency;

New Smart Designer Door available from Mercury Glazing

Specialist trade fabricator Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd has added the new Smart Designer Door to its portfolio which will be available to order from January. Chris Reeks, the company’s Sales and Marketing Director, said, “The new aluminium Smart Designer Door range offers a wide choice of colours and door designs which will bring a wealth of benefits to our customers and add further value to our offering. We are delighted to be amongst the first fabricators to offer this range.”

The Smart Designer Door is suitable for domestic applications and will satisfy the most discerning homeowner with its outstanding...

Greenoak Save Valuable Time with Multirail™ Overhead Runway System

Greenoak is an Oxfordshire-based construction and joinery business working on all types of buildings from new build to listed.

Greenoak has been in operation for the past 11 years and has always had an in-house joinery workshop to process all woodworking requirements for their construction projects. The woodworking workshop also provides solely joinery work for enquiries that come through their website, through word of mouth and repeat work.Greenoak has been in operation for the past 11 years and has always had an in-house joinery workshop to process all woodworking requirements for their construction projects. The woodworking workshop also provides solely joinery work for enquiries that come through their website, through word of mouth and repeat work. The woodworking workshop also provides solely joinery work for enquiries that come through their website, through word of mouth and repeat work.

The type of work that is completed in the joinery workshop is varied, including timber windows, doors, cabinets, wardrobes and other bespoke furniture.

Eleven months ago Greenoak installed a Multirail™ overhead runway...

Distinction Glass sales trends reveal consumers’ tastes

Distinction Glass has just revealed information on its most popular glass ranges and it indicates how much contemporary styles are coming to the fore these days. Chantel Roach, Distinction’s Sales and Marketing Director, commented: “All our ranges have seen growth in the past year, but, as in previous years, our contemporary ranges have seen a surge in interest. It demonstrates consumers’ continued interest in contemporary living trends.”

Distinction Glass’s traditional ranges have also seen growth in the past year. Chantel commented: “We know it’s important to give consumers the choice they’re looking for. While our contemporary glass ranges have seen the...

90% of MPs say converting empty spaces above shops could help solve the housing crisis, new FMB research reveals

UNDER STRICT EMBARGO UNTIL: 00:01 on Tuesday 12th December 2017

More than 90% of MPs think that converting empty spaces above shops could help reverse the current housing shortage, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The survey results, which have been published today alongside a new research report by the FMB entitled ‘Homes on our high streets’, shows that MPs believe converting empty spaces above shops

GLASSOLUTIONS WINS G17 ‘CUSTOMER CARE’ AWARD

GLASSOLUTIONS has won the ‘Customer Care’ category of the G17 awards for its commitment to quality customer care with the further development of its innovative and user-friendly e-commerce app.

Arguably the only app of its kind in the UK supporting a national glass supply service, it has been successful in putting control in the hands of customers, allowing them to configure and order glass ‘on the go’, build a quote in their own time and choose the option of delivery to site, without the need to call into a GLASSOLUTIONS branch for any aspect of their order. The app has successfullyArguably the only app of its kind in the UK supporting a national glass supply service, it has been successful in putting control in the hands of customers, allowing them to configure and order glass ‘on the go’, build a quote in their own time and choose the option of delivery to site, without the need to call into a GLASSOLUTIONS branch for any aspect of their order. The app has successfully...Arguably the only app of its kind in the UK supporting a national glass supply service, it has been successful in putting control in the hands of customers, allowing them to configure and order glass ‘on the go’, build a quote in their own time and choose...

Consumers twice as likely to be satisfied with homes built by small house builders, new FMB research reveals

UNDER STRICT EMBARGO UNTIL: 00:01 on Wednesday 6th December 2017

Consumers are twice as likely to be ‘very satisfied’ with the quality of their new home if it was built by a small and medium-sized (SME) house builder, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Key results from the FMB’s research into satisfaction rates among people who have bought a home in the past five years show that twice as many people (36%) say they are ‘very satisfied’ with the quality of their new build home if purchased from an SME house builder, compared with those whose homeKey results from the FMB’s research into satisfaction rates among people who have bought a home...

A VERY SUCCESSFUL DAY AT EXPLORE OFFSITE INFRASTRUCTURE

Explore Offsite Infrastructure was declared a huge success. The one-day conference created a platform to network with industry experts and discuss the latest offsite construction solutions that will help to deliver the requirements of the infrastructure sector.

The conference was chaired by Darren Richards, Managing Director at Cogent Consulting.

Shortly after Joshua Southern – Associate Director, KPMG delivered a presentation featuring his Smart Construction Report: Improving Productivity and Predictability.

Davis Bray and Willie McCormick of Highways England, conducted a joint presentation based on ‘Highway England’s

PROFINE EXPANDS PIRMASENS SITE FOR KÖMMERLING GROWTH

profine Group has significantly expanded its production facilities in Pirmasens, Germany for the continued growth of the KÖMMERLING brand in key markets, including the UK.

The international manufacturer of PVCu profiles for windows and doors, has recently purchased a 750,000 square foot site from the city administration in Pirmasens to support future growth. The area is located on the opposite side of the federal road B10, in the immediate vicinity of the existing profine factory premises, which already boasts 2.6million square feet of space.The international manufacturer of PVCu profiles for windows and doors, has recently purchased a 750,000 square foot site from the city administration in Pirmasens to support future growth. The area is located on the opposite side of the federal road B10, in the immediate vicinity of the existing profine factory premises, which already boasts 2.6million square feet of space. The international manufacturer of PVCu profiles for windows and doors, has recently purchased a 750,000 square foot site from the city administration in Pirmasens to support future growth. The area is located on the opposite side of the federal road B10, in the immediate vicinity of the existing profine factory premises...

Nxt-gen from Distinction Doors adds value to Consort’s offering

Trade fabricator Consort Ltd has recently signed a new partnership with Distinction Doors and now manufactures the new nxt-gen composite door. Consort launched the nxt-gen door to their customers in October and the decision to switch suppliers was met with universal approval confirming nxt-gen’s status as the new generation of composite doors.

Jeff Dunn, Sales and Marketing Director of Consort, explains: “The decision to switch to Distinction and Nxt-gen was made for numerous reasons. The new standard in composite door design is immediately evident in the door’s stunning aesthetics. Nxt-gen offers clinical sightlines that deliver superb symmetry with the glazing...

We’ve got you covered

With the rise in popularity for feature-rich orangery roof solutions and solid-roof conservatory extensions trade fabricator Modplan has witnessed a dramatic upturn in sales of their LEKA roofing collection.

For Heidi Sachs, Modplan’s Managing Director this upturn comes as little surprise. She explains: “Recent industry feedback confirmed a trend we all instinctively knew to be happening. After years of slow-to-no growth, sales of conservatories and glazed extension products are on the rise. This is being particularly fuelled by the renovation, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sub-sector – homeowners upgrading their existing conservatories with more thermally efficient roofs and demand for feature-richFor Heidi Sachs, Modplan’s Managing Director this upturn comes as little surprise. She explains: “Recent industry feedback confirmed a trend we all instinctively knew to be happening. After years of slow-to-no growth, sales of conservatories and glazed extension products are on the rise.

Mercury Glazing adds the TD68 door to its range

Specialist aluminium frame manufacturer, Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd., has just added the new TD68 commercial door to its range. Chris Reeks, Mercury’s Sales and Marketing Director, said, “We are delighted to be adding the TD68 commercial door into our portfolio. The new aluminium door allows us to extend our reach even further and helps our customers take advantage of the commercial aluminium opportunities.Specialist aluminium frame manufacturer, Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd., has just added the new TD68 commercial door to its range. Chris Reeks, Mercury’s Sales and Marketing Director, said, “We are delighted to be adding the TD68 commercial door into our portfolio. The new aluminium door allows us to extend our reach even further and helps our customers take advantage of the commercial aluminium opportunities. Chris Reeks, Mercury’s Sales and Marketing Director, said, “We are delighted to be adding the TD68 commercial door into our portfolio. The new aluminium door allows us to extend our reach even further and helps our customers take advantage of the commercial aluminium opportunities.”

The new TD68 door is being billed as one of the most thermally efficient, high usage commercial doors on the market. Designed by Jack Aluminium Systems the TD68 is ideal for public buildings and schools, as well as shopfronts, flats and apartments and offers intrinsic strength and security. It boasts some impressive thermal efficiency figures too with a typical u-value of 1.7 on a 1230mm wide door being achieved.

ALFIE’S WHEELS NOW RACING AHEAD THANKS TO FRAMEXPRESS TEAM & FRIENDS

Earlier this year the whole FrameXpress Ltd team committed to a project that was very close to all their hearts. In April, the leading trade fabricator launched the Alfie’s Wheels campaign, in a bid to help Production Manager, Jim Hinds raise much needed funds for his son Alfie. By July the company had hit its target and then some! The combined effort has raised £8648

Alfie was born with a severe heart defect which limits what he can do physically and after several major operations, at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, he still needs constant supervision and help to get around.

With Alfie beginning secondary school in September this year, it became apparent that he would need a motorised wheelchair to be able to access different areas of the school, as various classrooms were on