Astraseal says Distinction’s nxt-gen is the best door slab on the market!

Astraseal Group is one of the UK’s largest PVC-u and aluminium window, door and conservatory manufacturers and operates in the trade, commercial and retail sectors. The Group is also one of Distinction Doors’ longest-standing customers. Astraseal recently introduced the nxt-gen composite door to its portfolio and the company is delighted with the move. Karl Cornwell and Andy Gailey, Production Managers at Astraseal, deliver the same verdict: “It’s the best door slab that we have worked with.”

Senior’s supple and slim window is the perfect fit

With a successful track record of delivering complex glazing solutions for the commercial sector, leading manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems is also helping customers working in the domestic market enjoy a wide range of flexible design options thanks to the development of the company’s new super-slim Ali VU aluminium window.

Combining an impressive thermal performance with exceptional slim sightlines to help create light and airy interiors, Senior’s new Ali VU aluminium window has a frame of just 38mm when specified as a fixed light or 66mm with a standard vent option. Thanks to the strength of its robust aluminium frame, the Ali VU window is available in a range of vent sizes up to a maximum of 1400x1400mm to give the attractive wide views that homeowners desire. For larger projects, Senior’s in-house team of technical advisors can provide further help and advice.

Distinction’s nxt-gen adds real value to HS Trade Windows business

HS Trade Windows has been a Distinction Doors’ customer for over ten years. It recently introduced the new nxt-gen composite door range to its fabrication set-up four months ago and it’s already proving to be a hit. HS Trade’s Owner, Michael Gromett, said: “The nxt-gen composite door is easier to fabricate with less wastage but for us it was all about the door’s streamline aesthetics. The look of the door is truly unique and the mouldings and overall design is superb. The nxt-gen door is also internally glazed which offers increased security too. Add in the impressive range of glass...

Interpersonal skills an essential tool to drive health and safety performance

British Safety Council launches a workshop to equip managers and health and safety teams with skills to encourage safe and healthy behaviours

While most people at work possess the technical skills required for their role, many lack the softer ‘people’ skills to effectively engage with, influence and motivate others. By developing these interpersonal skills, they will be better placed to encourage safe and healthy behaviours among the workforce and help to drive up health and safety standards.

Recognising this skills gap, the British Safety Council has developed a one-day workshop, Interpersonal skills to drive health and safety performance, to...

Leekes partners with Modplan

VEKA trade fabricator Modplan has just announced a new partnership with home improvement specialists Leekes. The new partnership will see Modplan being the main supplier for all Leekes’ windows, selected doors and conservatories and will manufacture products using VEKA’s Halo System 10.

Frank Richardson, Glazing Sales Manager at Leekes, said: “Last year Leekes fitted over 10,000 windows, and the department reached a turnover of over £15M. Our new partnership with Modplan aims to grow this volume and turnover significantly over the next couple of years.”

Heidi Sachs, Managing Director of Modplan, said: “We’ve built our business on a partnership approach that adds value to every customer. Our new partnership with Leekes perfectly demonstrates our ethos.”

Leekes researched the market extensively before deciding to partner with Modplan. Commenting on the decision, Frank said: “Modplan and Leekes are both family run companies still run by the original families, so with Leekes’ local experience and Modplan’s manufacturing expertise it’s a fantastic team of companies based in South Wales.”

As Heidi says, the new partnership goes beyond a product supply deal.

Modplan and Leekes have invested in an exclusive manufacturing facility on Modplan’s impressive fabrication site. The new facility will use state of the art technology such as bar code scanning that will track products from manufacture to delivery and ensure...

VEKA Group unveils portal to another dimension of marketing

Industry-leading PVC-U systems supplier VEKA Group has launched a brand new marketing portal for VEKA and Halo customers and members of Independent Network and the Installer Programme.

VEKA Group is well known for providing an outstanding level of marketing support for its customers, and now the company has taken its online offering to another level.

Marketing Director Dawn Stockell explains: “Over the years, our marketing has expanded to include everything from vehicle livery and showroom graphics to bespoke email campaigns, website review and quote facilities, finance solutions and everything in between.

“Customers were delighted when we unveiled our industry-leading, innovative web-to-print portals. These allowed them to sign in and personalise...

New Institute chair announced at IAI AGM

The Institute of Architectural Ironmongers (IAI) has appointed Joanne Milne-Rowe as its new national chair. The appointment was announced at the IAI’s AGM on 28 April.

Jo has been in the industry for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in architectural hardware, mechanical security and electronic access control.

For the past year Jo has served as IAI vice chair alongside her current role as business development manager at Codelocks. Before this, she served as chairman for the South East region of the IAI.

Jo said:

“I hope that as chair of the Institute, I...

HURST SEALS POSITION AS UK’S LARGEST DOOR PANEL MANUFACTURER

Hurst Plastics has sealed its position as the UK’s largest door panel manufacturer with the announcement that it has increased production by 50% to 3,000 panels a week.

The latest year-end figures from Hurst reveal that the company has ramped up output of door panels to record levels and grown its customer base by 20% with more than 300 active new customers coming on board in the last six months.

Hurst has also reported a healthy rise in demand from within the commercial sector with the business supplying its composite doors and third party accredited composite fire doors to a growing number of local authorities and social housing contractors.

This strong period of growth follows a £650,000 investment in new machinery, people and delivery vehicles at Hurst to increase its capabilities and provide customers with industry-leading...

Glazing industry VIP dinner announced

A VIP dinner has been arranged for senior leaders in the glass and glazing industry to coincide with the industry’s new conference, the Glazing Summit.

Organised by Purplex Marketing and Insight Data, the event will bring together over 150 CEO’s, directors and leaders for a business dinner with drinks reception and after-dinner speaker.

Andrew Scott, founder of the Glazing Summit, commented;

“The industry has really got behind the Glazing Summit with over 300 fabricators, installers and suppliers booking tickets and many forward-thinking companies coming forward to support it. Following feedback from...

CIC’s Inclusive Environment Award 2018 opens for entries

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has opened entries for the third CIC Inclusive Environment Award 2017, in recognition of buildings, places and spaces which demonstrate best practice in achieving an inclusive environment - an environment which is safe, flexible and accessible for all.

The Award is an “award of awards” celebrating exemplar schemes and projects previously recognised by a CIC member. It inspires professionals already in practice to raise the standard of inclusivity achieved across the industry. CIC was delighted to receive twice the number of entries for the award last year than in its launch year and looks...

Waterside construction firm digs in for silver success at industry awards

One of the companies building the University of Northampton’s new Waterside campus has won a UK-wide award for socially and environmentally aware construction.

Bowmer and Kirkland, who have been in charge of creating the teaching, learning and academic buildings, won Silver for Top National Site at the Considerate Constructions Skills Certification Scheme’s (CCSCS) awards, held earlier this week (Wed 18 April).

The award was given because the Waterside development has shown “an outstanding commitment in improving the image of construction, achieving exemplary standards in all areas of the Code of Considerate Practice.”

The award criteria took into account how the builders respected the local community, took care of the environment around the site and valued their workforce.

The University of Northampton has worked closely with Bowmer and Kirkland to ensure the development of Waterside has impacted as positively as possible on Northampton...

EXPORT ORDERS GROW STRONGLY AS DOMESTIC ORDERS HOLD STEADY - CBI

Manufacturing growth slowed over the three months to April, but remained well above average, according to the latest quarterly CBI Industrial Trends Survey.

The survey of 356 manufacturers revealed that optimism about general business conditions deteriorated marginally, while domestic orders were largely unchanged on the quarter. Output growth slowed somewhat, but remained well above the long-run average.

In contrast, optimism regarding export prospects for the year ahead continued to improve at an above-average pace, while export orders growth accelerated at the fastest pace in more than 20 years. Meanwhile, inventories of raw materials rose...

‘ARE YOU ISO 45001 READY?’ BUREAU VERITAS URGES BUSINESSES TO EMBRACE CHANGE NOW TO HELP SPEARHEAD WORKPLACE SAFETY

With workplace safety presenting one the biggest challenges for modern industry, global certification firm Bureau Veritas is urging businesses to take up the mantel and ensure they are ‘ISO 45001 compliant’ ahead of time in order to help improve standards for all.

Published on 15th March 2018, ISO 45001:2018 constitutes the world’s first occupational health and safety international standard. Replacing the current OSHAS 18001, the new standard is intended to offer one single set of requirements designed to help organisations of all types and sizes create and implement systems that proactively prevent work-related injury and ill health.

Independent Network celebrates the Best of British with ...the Best of British!

Industry-leading installer support organisation Independent Network (powered by VEKA) is putting the final plans into place for its ever-popular members’ weekend.

Backed by a host of sponsors, the event will be held on Saturday 16th June 2018 at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire.

Head of Partner Programmes Karen Lund explains: “We’re always encouraging member companies to come together for training events and such, to discuss business, share ideas and celebrate their success, and the ‘big event’ on the IN calendar is the Members’ Weekend. This annual event has always gone down a storm, as it combines a valuable, business-boosting afternoon with a celebratory, black-tie awards evening.

“The day’s attendees will get the chance to visit the Affiliate Business Centre and discuss the great products and services available through IN’s affiliate partners.

UK Tax Expert Advises CIS Construction Workers to Examine Employment Terms with Caution

One of the UK's leading tax experts today urged construction contractors working under the CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) to verify their employment status with care or risk falling foul of HMRC's IR35 regulations. David Redfern, tax preparation specialist and founder of DSR Tax Claims, spoke out after a concerning conversation with a prospective client which has the potential to be financially disastrous for the aforementioned CIS worker.

With over 1 million construction workers in the UK members of the

VEKA Group has no reservations in welcoming reservists

Industry-leading systems supplier VEKA hosted representatives from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment at the company’s Burnley HQ to give staff chance to find out more about joining the Army Reserve.

VEKA was recently presented with a Bronze Award Certificate from the Ministry of Defence for pledging to support those who serve. The MoD’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) awards certificates to dedicated organisations which have opted to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating their commitment to offering fair employment and support to members of...

Aztec’s evolved for the modern market

Halo customer, Aztec Windows (Coventry) Ltd, celebrates 30 successful years in business this year.

The Coventry company was established in April 1988 and has built up a loyal clientele of both trade and domestic customers over the last three decades.

Director Michael Hagan explains: “We’re very proud to be celebrating this milestone, especially in such a competitive sector, where lots of window and door companies have come and gone over the years.

“I think the secret to our success has been that we have adapted with the marketplace and not hesitated in following our instincts. In 2006, we went from being an installation company – to being a fabricator, and haven’t looked back. We maintained the same commitment to quality, and so our reputation for attention-to-detail thrived.

“We have been a Halo customer since 1996, first as an installation company and now as a fabricator. The systems have evolved over the years...

Haffner Murat sees dramatic rise in sales of the SMR-5 Welder

Haffner Murat has just reported a dramatic rise in sales of its SMR-5 welder. Haffner Murat’s Managing Director Dave Thomas said: “We’re delighted this five head welder is proving so popular. It is the fastest and most accurate welder on the market today and has been designed to add value to every fabricator’s set up.”

Just a quick look at the machine’s statistics demonstrate its power. In a single operation it can weld four squares. It’s also capable of welding two corner/transom/corner windows or one window and two sashes in a single operation. The timings are impressive too. It can weld...

Modplan switches to Yale Flush Sash Shootbolt

Leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan has announced it is upgrading its shootbolt locking system on its FlushSash window range to a dual cam shootbolt system. Both from Yale, Heidi Sachs, Managing Director of Modplan, said, “Whilst the current system has proven to be a robust and reliable product, the introduction of the Yale Flush Sash dual cam Shootbolt locking system offers all the security credentials you would expect and a brand name that gives added value benefits for our customers.”

The Climatec Group are celebrating their 25th birthday, with a brand-new look and new websites to suit!

What a difference 25 years make! Back in 1993, in a small factory unit of 3,000ft² in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, Climatec Windows fabricated their first Rehau S706 uPVC window. Fast forward 25 years, add an aluminium facility and introduce a home improvements company and what you have is The Climatec Group. Climatec Windows, Alu-tec UK and Climatec Home Improvements now operate from 11 units totalling 50,000ft² and produce an average of 1400 aluminium and uPVC frames a week.

The growth of Alu-tec since its inception in 2012 has prompted the management team to review their business set up, resulting in the re-branding of each company to sit under the umbrella of the Climatec Group. There are new logos for each area of the business as well as a new Climatec Group logo which incorporates all three colours that will now be associated with the individual areas of the business; blue symbolising our uPVC products, the silver our Aluminium products and the purple for our retail business.

CEO LEAVES GGF IN STRONG POSITION

Phil Pluck, Group Chief Executive of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has announced his departure effective from 12th April.

Phil has overseen a substantial change programme at the GGF bringing together the commercial companies of GGF and its membership side. Having brought in a new senior management team as part of a complete re-structure programme, Phil issued the following statement:

“GGF Group is now in the best shape it has been for years and is ideally positioned to grow its influence and value to its members and customers. A new management team is in place and has the skills...

Built By Us launches the SHAPE mentoring programme for built environment entrepreneurs

Built By Us (BBU), the social enterprise founded by Architect and FLUID founder Danna Walker to diversify the construction sector, has launched its SHAPE mentoring programme for built environment entrepreneurs, in response to demand from FLUID participants.

Designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the construction sector, SHAPE focuses on founders who are either pre start-up for within 3 years of start-up and engaged in craft, consultancy or the development of buildings, spaces and places.

Entrepreneurism is a key strategy for people of diverse backgrounds...

Manufacturing production rises by 2.5 percent, according to the latest index

London, 11th April 2018 – Manufacturing production increased by 2.5 percent in the last month, according to the latest U.K. Manufacturing Production index. The index measures the change in the total inflation-adjusted value of output produced by U.K.'s manufacturers.

Manufacturing accounts for approximately 80 per cent of overall Industrial Production and the reported increase in manufacturing production signifies increasing economic growth[1]. This expansion follows a trend of increasing demand over the last year, both domestic and export-driven.

According to the Bank of England, the sustained growth has resulted in manufacturers expanding their capacities to an extent not seen since 2007.[2] Manufactures are also working towards ensuring seamless delivery and improving efficiency within the system through technology.

But using automated factory equipment

SME builders and Unite the union agree 3.1% pay rise over the next year

The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) has agreed a one year deal involving a 3.1% pay rise to come into effect in June 2018. This follows from the successful conclusion of pay negotiations between the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), on behalf of SME construction employers, and Unite the union, on behalf of operatives, the FMB has said.

• BATJIC has agreed a one year deal involving a 3.1% pay rise over the next year;
• All apprentices and trainees will also benefit from a 3.1% pay increase;
• The adult general operatives’ rate increases by 29p per hour to £9.52;
• The NVQ3...

New CITB Chair must make Board more representative, says FMB

The new Chair of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) should make it his priority to reform the CITB Board so it is more representative of the whole construction sector, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Commenting on the appointment of Peter Lauener as the new CITB Chair, Brian Berry Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Peter Lauener will be leading the CITB at a crucial time for the construction industry. Skills shortages have never been so pronounced and with less than one year until Brexit, addressing these shortages is a priority for employers. Following last year’s...

Secure quality with Universal Trade Frames

Spectus trade fabricator, Universal Trade Frames has been highlighting the importance of security for some time. Brian Kruger, Universal Trade Frames’ Managing Director, says: “Our customers know that security is a huge factor for contractors and homeowners and we are proud to have a range of products that have achieved Secured by Design accreditation, the flagship UK police initiative to help ‘design out’ crime through the use of high-quality, innovative products and processes.”

Universal Trade Frames has Secured by Design accreditation on its casement windows manufactured from both Spectus Elite 70 bevelled and Elite 70 ovolo systems. It also has the accreditation on Spectus Flush 70 PVC-U casement window, Eite 70 tilt and turn bevelled window, Elite 70 tilt and turn ovolo window, Spectus Elite 70 residential single door bevelled, Elite 70 residential single door ovolo, Elite 70 residential double door bevelled and Elite 70 residential double door ovolo. All products are also certified to PAS 24:2016 too, which can also be used to demonstrate...

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) publishes Second Edition Building Information Modelling (BIM) Protocol

CIC has today published the highly anticipated BIM Protocol Second Edition; the original BIM Protocol was first commissioned by CIC in 2013 as a response to the UK Government BIM Strategy. Now that the UK Government’s BIM mandate is in force and BIM is widely used, the Second Edition of the Protocol has been produced to reflect current practices and standards regarding the use of BIM.

The Protocol, drafted by international construction law specialists Beale & Company, remains the only standard contractual BIM protocol published...