Network VEKA Members
prepared for change
9th October 2012

Network VEKA's recent 2012 AGM was hailed as ‘a fantastic success’, with Cranage Hall in Cheshire playing host to member companies from every corner of the UK.

Delegates viewed products from Bowater Doors, Force 8, Legacy Windows, Doors & Conservatories and Prefix before attending three informative seminars that preceded the main AGM and followed the theme of 'A Time of Change'. All speeches and presentations were designed to help companies 'future-proof' their businesses with regards to current changes in legislation within the industry.
The event was topped off with the evening's awards and a glittering 'white tie and tiara' dinner dance that attracted more than 230 guests.

Three seminars were presented on the afternoon of the 29th to help companies keep up-to-date with current industry developments.Topics covered where, 'The Green Deal', 'CE Marking' and 'Minimum Technical Competences' and focussed on informing members what they need to do to remain fully compliant and stay ahead of the competition.

The Green Deal seminar was presented by VEKA's newly appointed Head of Technical Mark Barsby while
Tim Williams' CE Marking seminar ensured that delegates knew the 'ins' and 'outs' of the changes in legislation that will require all windows and doors to be CE Marked by July 1st 2013. Austin Greene hosted the third seminar explaining more about MTCs and how Network VEKA has access to free NVQs to help surveyors and installers surpass minimum standards.

A record number of Network VEKA installer members have been accepted into the organisation's '100% club' for this year, with a third of installers achieving these impressive results.

Network VEKA MD John Ogilvie explains: “More members than ever before have achieved 100% in the results this year, which really demonstrates the whole organisation's unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction... and we don’t do grade inflation.

“It's a great representation of what Network VEKA is all about. These ratings come directly from the homeowners, and we collate the results from around 16,000 questionnaires each year. It's a true reflection of how our installers' customers feel they are treated.

“Network VEKA members collectively have an average customer satisfaction rating of 96%, compared with a recognised industry average of just 83%. Now, it seems that our membership is doing everything they can to drive this up even higher!”

The evening of the AGM saw Steve Davis, Network VEKA’s Brand Ambassador, face some new opponents.
In the run up to the event, delegates were invited to make donations to the North West and Midlands Air Ambulances and therefore enter a prize draw to play a game of pool against the Six-times World Snooker Champion.
Three lucky entrants were selected to pit their talents against the snooker legend on the day; Ian Beswick of Barrington Lewis, David Boyd of Better Homes and Steve Hancox, MD of Goliath Homeworld.
David Boyd commented, “the game was great fun, proceeds from the event went to a very worthy cause and everyone seemed to really enjoy the AGM overall. But I still think the really important thing to take away from the weekend is... I beat Steve Davis at pool!!”

All donations received before the event, and those collected on the night, were put towards the North West and Midlands Air Ambulances and more than £500 was raised in total.

David Brunskill was not only announced to be the regional winner for the North East and Yorkshire for a fourth time, but was also crowned 'National Winner' at the evening's awards ceremony.

The entire table erupted in cheers and applause, joined by the rest of the room as MD David Brunskill collected the trophy from Steve Davis.

This year's AGM saw a new 'Outstanding Achievement' prize introduced, which was deservedly awarded to Mews Windows, AWC Home Improvements and Rugby Double Glazing. They were acknowledged for immersing themselves in the spirit of Network VEKA and going above and beyond even the high standards already expected from the membership.

Aberdeen-based Thistle Windows and Heavers of Bridport have both broken their previous records for the number of regional awards won over the years.

Thistle proudly claimed the company's eleventh prize, while the Heavers of Bridport team were delighted to lift their twelfth trophy. Both companies were warmly congratulated by Steve Davis, to whom they have become very familiar faces over the years!

Surprise entertainment was the order of the day at the evening's dinner dance and awards ceremony thanks to The Three Waiters.

These talented singers began the evening incognito, serving starters and clearing glasses before surprising the audience with astounding operatic performances that resulted in an overwhelming standing ovation.

Live music was also provided by events band Elbow Room, before a disco that carried partygoers through to the early hours.

Thelma Wade of Rugby Double Glazing and Gary Sage of Sage Home Improvements celebrated their style in style with a bottle of bubbly each, after winning 'Best Tiara' and 'Best Tie' respectively.

A full gallery of photos from the event can be viewed at www.networkveka.co.uk/agm12