GAI joins post-Hackitt Review working group

The process for specifying, supplying, installing and maintaining construction products including architectural ironmongery is being reviewed as part of Dame Judith Hackitt’s ‘Building a Safer Future’ programme.

Following the Grenfell...

QUICKSLIDE COME TOP OF THE QUALITY AUDIT CLASS

Businesses from across the fenestration industry will be familiar with the efforts required to achieve top marks in a Quality Systems Audit. In a benchmarking process that continually reviews in-house procedures, Yorkshire-based manufacturer Quickslide have undertaken their assessment under the guidance of auditor CENSolutions Ltd., for the second time this year, passing with flying colours.

Compliance with a number of requisites is compulsory for all manufacturers; the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) setting down standards including BS EN 14351 for windows...

The tetrahedron of fire

Wrightstyle is an international steel and aluminium advanced glazing supplier, mitigating against fire, bomb/blast and ballistic attack. Jane Embury is the company’s marketing director.

The International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF) collects fire data from 31 countries and 35 cities worldwide...

Group Sales Director, ERA

2018 has been a year of celebration for us, with Fab&Fix turning 30 and ERA reaching its 180th birthday. 2019 won’t see us rest on our laurels though, we’re aiming to provide better-than-ever levels of service and continuing to offer compelling and innovative solutions such as our smartware range.

Sales Director, Dekko Window Systems

A world-first, major investment in the ground-breaking Graf Cill Welder, Secured by Design Accreditation (SBD) on the Residence Collection, and a three-day customer trip to Belgium for 60 of our installer customers to have a guided tour of the global headquarters of both Deceuninck and Reynaers – 2018 was quite a year at Dekko.

Managing Director, Tradesmith

We may leave the EU, but geographically we can’t leave Europe. As one of the world’s biggest economies, the UK can make Brexit a success, with or without a deal. Despite politics and media panic, no one can see into next year, or in 10 years. Most trade will continue within these borders...

Builders Merchants continue growth in Q3

The latest data released in the BMF’s Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) confirms Total Builders Merchant value sales were up 4.2% in Q3 on the previous year. Timber & Joinery Products (+9.6) and Landscaping (+7.8%) both had a strong quarter. BMBI index for Q3 was 118.4.

The Builders Merchant Building Index tracks builders\'...

Kestrel reaches ‘gold’ standard for sixth year in a row

Kestrel has proved that sustainable sourcing is at the heart of its business after achieving the BES 6001 for the sixth year running.

The accreditation means installers, specifiers and distributors can be sure that Kestrel’s fascias, cladding, soffits and trims meet high standrads of sustainability.

Kestrel sales and marketing director Owen Thorogood said: “Kestrel has held BES 6001 since 2012.

“It’s a true ‘gold standard’ in sustainability and shows our customers that they are buying the best, not just in terms of quality fascia, cladding and roofline products, but in our supply chain and manufacturing process.”

The BES 6001 standard scores Kestrel for issues...

Winners Announced at the 44th Prestigious NHIC Annual Awards

For over 40 years the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) Annual Awards have recognised excellence in UK housing and have grown to become highly regarded as the premier event in the home improvement and modernisation sector.

At a gala presentation dinner last night (22 nd November) held at One...

Building a Career in Construction

Are you looking to get yourself a job in construction? Well, luckily for you there’s never been a better time, as there is currently a shortage of skilled workers in the industry. However, as you may already know, this industry is very...

How to Install a Korniche Roof Lantern from Skill-Builder

Roger Bisby is a journalist and television presenter known for his expertise in the British building industry. Roger has featured on Watchdog and Rogue Traders, hosted a radio show and written a number of building-related books.? Roger has also provided product reviews and insights for Professional Buildings magazines for over thirty years.

Roger’s product reviews, experiences and insight are highly valued by the Skill Builder community and he still loves getting out on site.

WINDOW WIDGETS GO PINK ONLINE

Fresh from the publication of their product directory dubbed as the ‘big pink book’, Window Widgets have now launched their new website at www.windowwidgets.co.uk. It’s a website that’s packed with information, downloads and latest news.

Designed to be fully...

J&P celebrates ‘Top Ten’ with VEKA

J&P Home Improvements is celebrating a successful ten-year partnership with VEKA Group and Independent Network.

The family-owned, Lampeter-based company, which has been in business for more than 20 years, has spent the most...

The official UK training provider of window, door and conservatory

Until now, there has been limited industry-recognised training providers for window, door and conservatory products. All that has changed with the launch of Pro-Fitter. The initiative is the brainchild of Pro-Fitter’s Director, Lou Leka, who says: “Many certifications exist in our industry but none offer bespoke training that allow people to learn in a controlled environment and have their competency levels assessed. We are

not another Competent Person Scheme. We are not a Vocational College. We teach hands on skills and ability and provide the lessons to give the ability and confidence to carry out specific work.”

In short, he says: “Becoming...

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

The National Building Awards – www.nbawards.co.uk celebrate the very best of the building and construction industry. With 22 categories to choose from these independent awards will allow the very best of businesses irrespective of size and influence to lift a national accolade at the iconic Wembley Stadium in March 2019.

Commenting on these prestigious awards, Trevor Diviney, Managing Director of Ground Construction Ltd said “We are thrilled...

Architectural ironmongery rising stars celebrated at GAI Education Awards

The door and window hardware industry’s rising stars were celebrated at the 39th annual Guild of Architectural Ironmongers’ (GAI) Education Awards.

Held at the Royal Lancaster hotel in London on 8 November, the awards celebrate the architectural ironmongery...

VEKA Group voted Best Systems Company

VEKA Group is proud to have been named \'Systems Company of the Year\' in the 2018 National Fenestration Awards. Thousands of votes across 24 categories made 2018 the biggest NFA campaign to date.

The awards are decided by the votes of industry participants – which VEKA Group\'s Marketing Director Dawn Stockell believes makes the win all the more rewarding: “We\'re delighted to see VEKA Group win \'Systems Company of the Year\' in the 2018 NFAs because it means our customers and friends in the industry took the time and made the effort to vote for us.

“People vote on shortlists to decide...

Modplan’s Secured by Design-accredited range extended

Leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan has just announced its Secured by Design-accredited range has grown by over a third and the certification all updated to the latest PAS24:2016 security standard. Justin Williams, International Sales and Marketing Director, said: “We...

As tech arrives, Aztec offers more mechanical joints

Long-standing Halo fabricator Aztec Windows (Coventry) Ltd has invested in new machinery to meet greater customer demand for mechanically jointed frames. Using System10 and Rustique profile from VEKA Group, Aztec already offers the mechanically jointed FlushSash within its Prestige Collection®. Now, in its 31 st year...

CIC welcomes the second quarterly report of the Competence Steering Group for Building a Safer Future

The second quarterly report of the Competence Steering Group for Building a Safer Future, which is tasked with implementing the recommendations of the Hackitt Review concerning competence, has been published today.

More than one hundred organisations across the built environment, construction, fire and Building owner/manager sectors are contributing to the activity of twelve working groups.

The Competence Steering Group is due to complete its work by May 2019, at which time it is envisaged that an overarching competence body will have been set up - in accordance with the Hackitt recommendation - to oversee a range of enhanced...

Grosvenor provides complete recycled solution for Macclesfield HA

Long-standing VEKA fabricator Grosvenor Windows has removed, recycled and replaced 160 windows for a respected Macclesfield housing association.

Working with VEKA and VEKA Recycling, Grosvenor was not only able to recycle the old frames, but also install high quality recycled...

IT’S ALL SQUARED FOR THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION

With demand for contemporary living high on the style agenda for consumers, R 2 from The Residence Collection is enjoying an increase in demand and has been supported by the launch of a new, premium 20-page...

VEKA continues to offer a safe pair of hands, when the industry needs it most

As we see more and more companies struggling and subsequently closing their doors, in today's challenging economic climate, VEKA Group has reaffirmed its position as a stable systems company that continues to prepare for growth.

Sales Director Neil Evans explains: “It's been saddening to hear of companies ceasing to trade in recent weeks, not only within our industry. The fenestration sector as a whole has been facing a relatively flat market but I'm proud to say that VEKA Group has continued to invest and expand its capacity for growth in order to benefit customers old and new.

“Our ethos as a company...

Further Expansion for the Conservatory Outlet Network

Styleglaze Installations Ltd (Daventry), has become the latest addition to the Conservatory Outlet Network of retailers - the second installation company to move to the leading fabricator so far in 2018.

Hot on the heels of Bon Accord Glass...

TITON ACOUSTIC VENTS SET THE TONE FOR FAIRVIEW HOMES IN LONDON

Over 2,000 SF Sound Attenuator (SFSA) Xtra 2500EA vents and canopies from Titon have been installed throughout a variety of Fairview New Homes’ newly built houses and apartments in Greater London. These include new developments in Camden, Hornsey...

Changes at the helm at Exlabesa Building Systems

Exlabesa Building Systems has announced the promotion of Paul Benn to General Manager. Paul joined the business back in 2015 and his promotion reflects what he has achieved during his time. In his new role, Paul will report to Director of Exlabesa Building Systems (Global), Paco Quinta.

Commenting on Paul’s promotion, Derek Hodgson, former General Manager of Exlabesa Building Systems said: “Having been with the business for seven years, I had recently made a personal decision to take a step back from the business. I will, however, continue to support Paul and the rest of the team going forward. Paul has...

Senior offers more colour choices when you ‘ask for Ali’

Leading manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems is bringing a splash of colour to homes across the UK as the company reports an increase in orders for its popular Ali FOLD aluminium doors and Ali VU aluminium windows in a variety of eye-catching powder-coated shades and finishes.

The recent launch of Senior’s Signature...

ERA’S OEM SALES TEAM NOW HEADED UP BY JOHN CHAMBERS

As part of its ongoing approach to putting the customer first, ERA’s OEM area sales team is now headed up by John Chambers. With over forty years’ experience in the industry, John will be a familiar face to many. Overseeing seven area managers, John is part of ERA’s Sales Leadership Team.

ERA’s commitment to Investors in People means a focus for...

VEKA remembers with Tommy

A leading Burnley manufacturer is commemorating the centenary of the end of the 1914-1918 First World War, and supporting a number of charities, with the installation of a ‘Tommy’ silhouette from Artist Martin Barraud. Visitors to VEKA Group will find the six-foot aluminium soldier in pride of place next to the reception building.

VEKA Group MD Dave Jones explains: “‘There But Not There’ is the 2018 Armistice project for the charity Remembered. The charity’s aims are threefold; to inspire communities to purchase and install silhouettes recognising these fallen soldiers, to educate people about their sacrifice, and to raise valuable funds to...

Conservatory Outlet Ltd Announced as Wakefield Manufacturer of the Year 2018

Leading UK fabricator, Conservatory Outlet Ltd, Wakefield has been recognised as ‘Manufacturer of the Year 2018’ at the...