Welcome to THE GL@ZINE News Archive: August 2007

 

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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 281 28th August 2007

NSG Shines on Pilkington’s Performance
In the first three months to June 2007 the Japanese economy enjoyed a modest expansion, supported by steady capital expenditure and improvements in employment and consumer confidence, despite concerns about significant prices increasesof raw materials and fuels (especially crude oil), rising interest rates and cost push introduced by theweakening Japanese Yen.

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Saints Take The Challenge Cup In Historic Wembley Final!
In a dogged but nonetheless thrilling rugby league Challenge Cup Final, the first to be thrashed out at the new Wembley Stadium, St Helens ‘Saints’ showed their superiority over a brave Catalan Dragons with a score of 30 to 8.
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Edgetech I.G. Ranked as One of the Fastest Growing Companies in the US
Edgetech I.G. Inc, the parent company of Warm Edge technology supplier Edgetech UK, announced today that it has been ranked in the inaugural Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the United States with 61.9% growth from 2003-2006.
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Delegates Attending Edgetech's WER Forums Hit 450
The market leading warm edge technology supplier, Edgetech, has been working closely with its customers to educate sales teams and companies down the supply chain to the commercial benefits of Window Energy Ratings.
[Read the Rest Here]

G07 Awards Deadline Extended
Due to popular request the deadline for entries to the G 07 Awards has been extended to Thursday 30th August. It would appear that summer holidays and the ongoing bad weather has taken its toll, therefore a further week to get entries finalised has been arranged. If you haven't already entered then do so at www.g-awards.com
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Deceuninck Solves Website Conundrum
Deceuninck says that it has a solution to the internet dilemma. It comes courtesy of the company’s SynergeBuild application and it offers customers the means to put their businesses online without the headache of the development costs or the need to get to grips with the technical jargon.
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The Gadget that Adds Value to the Supply Chain
In order to demonstrate the speed and simplicity of placing orders for windows and doors via handheld devices, direct to the office for processing, Deceuninck has given its business development team PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).
[Read the Rest Here]

Freefoam Sales Increase Significantly in First Half of 2007
Freefoam Plastics, manufacturer of environmentally friendly PVC roofline and rainwater products, has recently announced a significant increase in sales for the first six months of 2007, with turnover approaching €25m.
[Read the Rest Here]

WIW Cheshunt - Built on Loyalty and Service
Another Window Installers Warehouse (WIW) trade counter has opened in Cheshunt Herts. Serving the surrounding areas of Hertfordshire, Essex and North London, the new branch is located on a busy industrial estate and began trading in May.
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Spectus Helps make Rooms and Views Look Great
Spectus customer Rooms and Views has won a year-long contract with Charles Church housing developers. Windows, conservatories and French doors are being fabricated and installed in Spectus' Elite 63 profile for 20 high specification new build properties.
[Read the Rest Here]

Ford Windows makes a Total Move to Planitherm
Sheffield based window manufacturer and installer Ford Windows has recently enhanced its high quality offering of low-E glazing by switching to SGG PLANITHERM® TOTAL, supplied by Solaglas Dudley.
[Read the Rest Here]

Worker Escapes Glass Crush
A delivery worker had an amazing escape after he was crushed by 30 sheets of falling glass weighing 1.5 tons. Paul Ashurst, 32, from Wigan, suffered just a broken thigh despite the huge weight of glass which fell on him. Police said that he was `stable' after surgery in hospital.
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Interbuild Nears Capacity in Countdown to Autumn Show
With stand space 93% sold out and over 800 companies confirmed, Interbuild 2007 is living up to its 'record breaking' predictions.
[Read the Rest Here]

Groupco Celebrates Scottish Success
Groupco is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Cumbernauld depot. Since opening the branch in 1997 the independent hardware distributor has become one of the leading suppliers to Scottish fabricators and the depot has more than doubled its original size.
[Read the Rest Here]

Wiltshire Glass & Windows Invests in Machinery
Wiltshire Glass & Windows Ltd of Downton near Salisbury has just taken delivery of the first Rotox ZBZ cutting & machining centre supplied by Winmac UK Ltd.
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Export Success to India for Wegoma
India's booming PVC-U windows market is creating considerable export success for machinery supplier Wegoma whose equipment, including the Glassex 2007-launched WSA4LV Evolution, is being used to make tens of thousands of frames across the Indian sub-continent.
[Read the Rest Here]

Haffner Celebrates Continuing Sales Success
Haffner GB Ltd says that 2007 looks as if it will be another record-breaking year in terms of sales. The company, which supplies the SBA Cutting and Machining Centre, enjoyed a bumper year in 2006, but it looks as if 2007 will be even better.
[Read the Rest Here]

The Freefoam Roofline Report
A net 44% of roofline stockists and installers reported better sales in May to July 2007 compared with February to April 2007. Of those reporting an increase, 42% saw sales go up by 20% or more.
[Read the Rest Here]

Rohm and Haas Receives Sustainability Award
Rohm and Haas Company has received the 2007 Hydro Sustainability Award during a recent conference held in Hafnersee, Austria. The award was presented by Dr. Karl-Henrik Róbert, founder of The Natural Step.
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GGF's New London Chairman Seeks Better Communication
Ritec's MD Stephen Byers is looking at ways of enhancing two-way communications and participation between the GGF and its members in his new role as Chairman of the Federation's London Region.
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Jack Straw to Open GAP's New Central Warehouse in Blackburn
GAP's new central warehouse will be officially opened by the Right Honourable Jack Straw on Friday October 19th. The Secretary of State for Justice is MP for Blackburn where GAP's new warehouse has been built.
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Warmseal Goes Green with PrimaLawn
Warmseal, the North East's premier home improvement company, is the latest to become a Prima Lawn licensee. PrimaLawn is the synthetic lawn system from Viridion Ltd, a company founded in January this year by Mark Rogers and Mel Wright.
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Booming Coloured Profile Market in Ireland for FUX Lamination
The booming market in Ireland for coloured profile has seen two new fabricators installing FUX Profile Lamination lines in the last quarter.
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LA Elwell's Investment in Future Nears £1.5m
One of the Midlands leading manufacturers of cold rolled steel profiles for the construction, fenestration and commercial vehicle industries is strengthening its commitment to UK manufacturing with an investment in new state-of-the-art machinery totalling almost £1.5 million.
[Read the Rest Here]

Switch to Everwhite Sparks Increase in Sales
Wakefield roofline specialist Trims Ltd has reported a dramatic increase in sales following its decision to switch suppliers in favour of Everwhite. Trims has been with Everwhite for just four months but is already predicting a £1,000,000 spend during its first year.
[Read the Rest Here]

HOPPE's Access Control Division Product Supplied to Hotel
Northern Ireland based door and ironmongery distributor Moffett Thallon recently supplied HOPPE's automatic swipecards to Tara Lodge hotel in Belfast after it was refurbished and extended earlier this year.
[Read the Rest Here]

Why UAP has got Carbon Offset off PATT
Door hardware and decorative glass products supplier UAP has taken the decision to fund a three-year project with the Plant A Tree Today (PATT) foundation, a UK registered charity.
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Shape Technology
Universal Arches has now developed a 3d modelling software application that will not only add accuracy within millimetres in production, but can also provide glass templates and DXF files at the point of order.
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TimberWindows.com Sales Soar by 106%
It's been busy at TimberWindows.com with a 106% increase in sales for the first half of 2007 in comparison to the same period in 2006.
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NGA to Explore Pros and Cons of Energy Rating Certification
The National Glass Association (NGA) will examine the controversy surrounding the plan to rate and certify the energy efficiency of commercial fenestration during a forum featuring James Benney, executive director of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and Marg Webb, executive director of the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA).
[Read the Rest Here]

Total Glass Puts the 'Wind' in Windows
Wind power to help make windows could be a reality - and an industry 'first' - if a proposal being actively researched by Total Glass proves viable. The Liverpool-based fabricator is stepping up its commitment to environmentally-friendly business practices by exploring an even 'greener' route to supplement its energy needs.
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Liniar Exports Success Over the Irish Sea
Outdoor products manufacturer Liniar is celebrating success across the Irish sea, after securing a significant new contract with Downs PVC.
[Read the Rest Here]

Enhanced Security for Mumford & Wood’s Windows and Doors
Mumford & Wood, the specialist manufacturer of premium timber windows and doors, is working toward BS7950 and PAS24 Enhanced Security certification across a full range of products in the Conservation™ and Contemporary™ collections.
[Read the Rest Here]

Masco Corporation Business and Financial Highlights
Masco Corporation Net sales from continuing operations declined six percent in the Second Quarter of 2007, with North American sales declining 10 percent and International sales increasing 14 percent. In local currencies, International sales increased six percent compared with the second quarter of 2006.
[Read the Rest Here]

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Set for Seventh Record Year
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is on track for a record seventh successful year in the UK with a 12.2 per cent increase in registrations for the first six months of 2007 to 14,185 vehicles compared to 12,635 during the same period last year.
[Read the Rest Here]


THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 280 21st August 2007

Swish Commits £6.5m to Brand and New System Development
Swish Window and Door Systems has announced its plans for a £6.5 million programme of investment that will re-launch the Swish brand to the consumer market. Under the proposals Swish Window and Door Systems will commit to a multi-million pound spend on its manufacturing operation in Rhymney, South Wales.
[Read the Rest Here]

And The Winners Are...
Since the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final competition was launched on the Gl@zine, to win two pairs of tickets to watch Saints Rugby League Football Club do battle against French side Catalan Dragons at Wembley, Pilkington has been literally inundated with entries.
[Read the Rest Here]

Bahrain Bank Buys German Window Group
Bahrain-based buyout firm Arcapita Bank has acquired Profine, the German PVC profile company which incorporates KBE, Kömmerling and Trocal. Profine GmbH was established in 2003, when HT TROPLAST consolidated its profile business activities under one roof.
[Read the Rest Here]

On the Road to Energy Savings with Pilkington
Pilkington is touring the country to spread the word about its new energy efficient IGU - Pilkington energiKare. The seminars will be held at locations across the UK throughout October.
[Read the Rest Here]

Conservaglass Success
Ultraframe's new generation of glazing, Conservaglass, has experienced a healthy growth in sales following a successful product revamp just over a year ago.
[Read the Rest Here]

Revised Ultra Installer Scheme
Ultraframe has revised its Ultra Installer Scheme to bring increased benefits for members. The Scheme, which is now in its fourth year, has around 100 members around the UK who are committed to raising standards within the industry and proving customer service excellence to consumers.
[Read the Rest Here]

Record Year for Lister - The Secret's in Innovation
As Lister files record figures for the third year running it's hard not to speculate what the company is doing to buck the market trend. Mark Warren, Listers' Managing Director, makes no secret of how the company is achieving its results.
[Read the Rest Here]

NSG Announces New Head of Building Products Europe
NSG Group has announced the appointment of Clemens Miller as Managing Director, Building Products Europe, with effect from 1st September 2007. Clemens succeeds Mark Lyons, who will now concentrate on his global Building Products role as Head of Building Products Regional Operations.
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Major New Route to TrustMark for Reputable Tradesmen
TrustMark has approved FENSA Ltd and Exor Management Services as scheme operators to help sign up firms to the award-winning, Government-backed initiative which helps householders find trustworthy tradespeople to make improvement and repairs inside and outside the home.
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Getting Tough on Cowboy Builders
The Government is seeking views on plans to beef up powers for local authorities to tackle illegal or botched construction. Currently, authorities only have six months from completion of non-compliant work to bring a prosecution for breaches of building regulations.
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Next Stage for Home Information Packs
The Government has announced that Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be rolled out to three bedroom properties from 10th September 2007.
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Logistics Investment puts Polyframe in the Vanguard
A major investment in logistics has resulted in two significant developments for Halifax-based trade super-fabricator Polyframe that will further enhance its service through better loading and delivery to customer sites.
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HomePro and TimberWindows.com in Ground-Breaking Deal
In an industry first TimberWindows.com, the engineered timber window system company has negotiated a ground-breaking deal with HomePro Insurance.
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Entrance cds Adds a Security Accreditation to its Credentials
Entrance cds Ltd has announced that its range of Capstone slabs proved its security credentials by passing the PAS024 cutting test first time. The PAS024 cutting test examines a door's security and is an SBD requirement.
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Phoenix & Crystal Sign Long-Term Door Deal
Phoenix Door Panels, one of the largest privately-owned door panel manufacturers in the UK, has renewed a long-term supply agreement with its major retail customer, Crystal Windows & Doors Ltd.
[Read the Rest Here]

Warm-Seal of Approval
Sarnafil Roof Assured has just added Warmseal to the expanding network of flat roofing system registered installers. Warmseal is a longstanding and recognised consumer name in the North East with a proven history in the home improvement market dating back to 1983.
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ENSINGER's Engineering and Manufacturing Secrets
ENSINGER, manufacturer of Thermix TX.N spacer tube, opened its doors and shared some of its precision engineering secrets with its exclusive UK distributor, Thermoseal Group.
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Why Getting 'Bumped Off' Might not Hurt after All
‘If a customer has used Pickbuster, gets bumped, and the insurance claim is rebuked, then UAP will cover the loss up to £2,500’, says David Jennings, Managing Director of UAP.
[Read the Rest Here]

Birkenhead Glass Meets Increased Demands with Duraseal
A Merseyside based glazing company has switched to using Tremco illbruck's Duraseal system to meet the dual demands of an increasing workload and the technical requirements of Approved Document L to the Building Regulations.
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Loyalty Rewarded to Celebrate Top Decade
Windowstyle, the manufacturing arm of the Style Group, the UK independent replacement PVCu window and door retailer, is celebrating its first ten years by rewarding 92 members of staff who have been with the company since inception.
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Strata - Serving you Right
Strata Window and Conservatory World is an installer of conservatories, windows and doors, providing inspirational home improvements throughout Staffordshire and Cheshire.
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Selecta Recognised by CBI
VIPs from the CBI including the CBI's Chairman for the West Midlands, Grey Denham visited Selecta Systems' Great Barr extrusion plant in recognition of the combined technical liaison that had been instrumental in the development of the Advance 70 mm System.
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Kenrick and MB Frames Develop Bespoke Security Guarantee
Hardware manufacturer Kenrick has developed one of the industry's most comprehensive security guarantees with long term customer, trade fabricator MB Frames.
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SAGE Electrochromics Secures $16m Financing
SAGE Electrochromics, Inc., the provider of commercially viable, energy-saving electrochromic smart window products for buildings, recently announced that it has closed a $16 million Series B preferred round, with provisions for an additional investment of $13 million.
[Read the Rest Here]

HOPPE Displayed in Top-of-the-Range Orangery Showrooms
Trentham Garden Conservatories Ltd in North Staffordshire is building an impressive showroom orangery fitted with HOPPE (UK) Ltd's Designer range of door handles.
[Read the Rest Here]

Masco Corporation Reports Second Quarter Results
Masco Corporation recently reported that net sales from continuing operations for the quarter ended June 30th, 2007, including the positive effect of acquisitions and currency translation, declined six percent to $3.1 billion compared with $3.4 billion for the second quarter of 2006.
[Read the Rest Here]

OFT Secures Prison Sentence for Rogue Trader
Roofer James Slater - also known as Jimmy Slater - trading as Building Services, Clean and Clear Plastics and Clean and Clear Guttering Services, has been sentenced to a total of 6 months imprisonment by Kingston County Court.
[Read the Rest Here]

Finnish are First for Panel Master UK Ltd
Cabinet and wall panelling company, Panel Master UK Ltd, based in Springvale Mill, Haslingden, has just fulfilled its first overseas order to Finland, with help from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).
[Read the Rest Here]


THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 279 14th August 2007

Win Two Pairs of Tickets for the Wembley Challenge Cup Final - Only with The Gl@zine!
The Gl@zine has managed to obtain two pairs of tickets for the historic first ever Rugby League Challenge Cup Final to be played at the new Wembley Stadium! Watch Saints do battle against French side Catalan Dragons whilst proudly wearing their famous Red V shirts - emblazoned with the Pilkington Activ™ name.
[Read the Rest Here]

Bohle Glass Student Of The Year 2007: Last 12
A
fter hours of deliberation and considerable disagreement, twelve entrants have now been accepted for last stage judging of the Bohle Glass Student of the Year Awards; now begins the process of choosing the four entrants that will attend the G07 Awards ceremony in October.
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Deceuninck UK Appoints new MD
Deceuninck UK has just announced the appointment of Alain Swyngedauw as its new managing director. Alain has been part of Deceuninck's operations for 27 years and has worked with Deceuninck group companies throughout Europe.

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Best Value Conservatories Acquires Laird Lifestyle
Best Value Conservatories Ltd (BVC), the Aldridge-based trade supplier of windows, doors and conservatory products, has acquired Laird Lifestyle Products, a division of Laird Security Systems, the business acquired earlier this year by Lupus Capital plc.
[Read the Rest Here]

Eurocell Coventry Depot Goes Large!
Over 50 customers joined Eurocell Building Plastics on Kingswood Close in Coventry on Monday to celebrate its re-launch since the company made a major investment in extending its trade counter and adding new merchandising displays.

[Read the Rest Here]

HWL Group Acquires Penicuik Home Improvements
Following the appointment of receivers at PHI, Neil Donaldson, of Highseal Windows and HWL Group, has purchased it as a going concern, retaining staff, manufacturing facility etc and is looking forward to the expansion into the Scottish retail and Commercial market.
[Read the Rest Here]

Houses get Sunburnt Too!
Freefoam Plastics, a leading industry voice in the manufacture and promotion of environmentally friendly, lead free products, has launched a new media campaign, titled 'The Burning Issue', to increase awareness of the dangers of UV radiation to buildings.
[Read the Rest Here]


Global - the Next Generation
Synseal, the UK's number one choice for windows and conservatories, is launching a new product range under the global brand. Surprisingly, it's a composite door.
[Read the Rest Here]

Ultra Installer Leads the Way!
Ultra Installer, Northern Direct Windows is celebrating the successful conversion of six sales leads provided by the Ultraframe Scheme in just six weeks.
[Read the Rest Here]

Rhino Building Plastics goes with Freeflow®
Rhino Building Plastics, a Freefoam stockist based in Peterborough, has recently introduced the Freeflow range of rainwater systems to complement the company’s existing range of Freefoam products.
[Read the Rest Here]

Masterdor Turns Up The Heat On Fire Door Protection
Fire doors provide protection from the inside of a room and now Masterdor door-sets are fire resistant from the outside too. Fire doors should be tested to, and meet, BS476 Part 22:1987. However, this does not test fire resistance from external attack for example from vandals and arsonists.

[Read the Rest Here]


MB Frames Signs 5 year Supply Agreement with Deceuninck
MB Frames, based in Bristol, have just signed a five-year supply agreement with systems supplier, Deceuninck. Managing Director of MB Frames, Andy Burns, said, 'We needed a profile partner we could trust in the long term and work with as our business expands.'

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Warmshield Turns Over Manufacturing to 'Turn-key' Polyframe
Halifax retail fabricator Warmshield - and its trade division Fast Frame - has struck an innovative deal that sees it exit manufacturing to concentrate on growing its sales and installation business.

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Sheerframe Gets A 'Greener' Look
It's had a distinctive look for years but now the new tougher protective tape on all Sheerframe profile has a much 'greener' appearance to highlight its manufacture using calcium organic stabilisers.

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Dynamic 2D Opens Door To Improved Customer Service
Trade supplier Sierra Windows has improved its customer satisfaction ratings on its PVC door applications by switching to the Dynamic 2D hinge from SFS intec.

[Read the Rest Here]

Coming of Age for 16 Year Old Alexander
After another year of record growth, with turnover standing at £5.2 million, Manchester based Kömmerling fabricator Alexander Windows is celebrating 16 years in business. The company is looking forward to a prosperous future after experiencing 41% Trade Sales Division growth.
[Read the Rest Here]

Double Flooding Blow On Haydon's Birthday
Devastating floods in the Midlands on July 20th dealt a double blow for 'birthday boy' Haydon Statham, National Sales Manager at Phoenix Door Panels.

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Portal Delivers Despite Flood Chaos
Portal Products has refused to let the flood chaos that has swamped much of the country stand in the way of its delivery schedules, thanks to the hard work and ingenuity of staff.

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Everwhite Enjoys 25% growth in First Half
It's been a busy year at Everwhite - there's been a 25% increase in sales comparing December to May this year with the same period last year.

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Crystal Reports 11% Rise in Sales in 2007
The bad weather hasn't dampened spirits at Crystal Direct as sales have risen by 11% from January to July 2007 when compared to the same period last year.
[Read the Rest Here]

Industry Upturn: True or False?
The UK property market is in flux, providing opportunity for conservatory companies to lay the foundations for profitable growth- but will the industry apply commercial and common sense to maximise the potential? So asks Colin Bennett, sales director of Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems.
[Read the Rest Here]

HIPS Are Here!
After a decade of debate, this week Home Information Packs (HIPs) finally hit the property market and the phased introduction of the controversial legislation began in England and Wales.
[Read the Rest Here]

Further Pressure to Revoke HIPs
After a further debate recently, the House of Lords voted by 186 to 160 to call on the government to revoke the Home Information Pack (Number 2) Regulations 2007 and the Housing Act 2004 (Commencement Number 8) order 2007.
[Read the Rest Here]

BBC Broadcasts UAP-Nepal School Opening
BBC regional TV news has broadcast the opening of the first UAP-Nepal Community Project school in the Himalayas. The broadcast shows the difficulties that students encounter travelling to and from school in this mountainous country.

[Read the Rest Here]

Business Micros Goes East
Business Micros is looking to set up new franchises to sell its software programmes across Europe and Asia. Sales Director Graeme Bailey has just returned from a trip to Jinan in South East China where he says he was very encouraged by the response.

[Read the Rest Here]

A Colourful Show from ASF
ASF uPVC, based in Uppingham, is opening a new show site for its range of windows, doors and conservatories, but whereas most such displays offer traditional white and woodgrain finishes, ASF is broadening the palette.
[Read the Rest Here]

Dekura Expands its Recycling Network
Dekura has expanded its regional network of recycling centres with the acquisition of Celuplas, giving it new and increased capacity to recycle post-consumer waste PVC-U.
[Read the Rest Here]

New Customers for CK International
Another four window fabricators have joined the CK International Ltd recycling bandwagon. Lancashire Trade Frames in Bolton, Perfect Glazing in Glasgow, GJB Developments in Essex and Made to Measure Windows in Grimsby all take delivery this week of their CK Compactors.
[Read the Rest Here]

eBuilders Acquires TheWindowMan
One of the longest established and most popular double glazing and conservatory information websites for consumers, TheWindowMan, has become part of the expanding eBuilders Ltd stable.
[Read the Rest Here]

Fab & Fix Showroom Officially Opened
On the 1st August 2007, Fab & Fix officially opened its new modern showroom at its Coventry headquarters. Over 400 products are showcased, ranging from Window and Door Handles to Kitchen Hinges and Drawer Runners.
[Read the Rest Here]

Close Relationship Key to Bostik Malbern Success
When you manufacture some 4,000 insulating glass units (IGUs) a week at one site and 6,000 at another, a close working relationship with your suppliers is vital to your success.
[Read the Rest Here]


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