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A
large Chester-based windows firm, Diamond Windows,
aims to reap the benefits the Quality Mark Scheme brings, including customer
confidence, better business practice and raising industry standards.
Emma Diamond (pictured) believes that once the Quality Mark Scheme becomes
a firmly established national name it will play a critical role in steering
people away from dodgy builders. 'Dodgy traders are a nuisance not only
to customers, but also to the industry as they damage the reputation of
reputable firms carrying out honest business. If people learn to use a
QM trader then these rogues would eventually be phased out,' she says.
A Quality Mark assessor looked at Diamond Windows' business processes
and it was not a daunting event, as Emma said: 'We welcomed the assessment
process as it's a good way to measure good business practice. And it's
always beneficial to have an independent assessment as they can see where
we needed to improve slightly by tightening up our practices and procedures.'
Emma remains upbeat about the future. She said: 'In the near future, once
QM is a well-known signature, people will insist on using Quality Mark
builders and tradesmen as they can be confident work will be carried out
efficiently and effectively. Coupled with the six year guarantee, QM benefits
everyone.'
This month's What's New section of the BBA website features the SpeCC registration scheme, chaired by the BBA's Chief Executive and designed to improve standards in the specialist concrete contractor sector. There is also news of BBA Certificate holder Space 4, who is a recent winner of this year's national Construction Product Manufacturer Award for its production of BBA-approved Space 4 Loadbearing Structurally-Integrated Wall Panels.
New
Certificates
03/4061 ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - ASTRAL CONSERVATORY SYSTEMS
LTD
Certificate
withdrawals
02/3901 K2 CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEMS - THE CONSERVATORY FACTORY LTD
Web: http://www.bbacerts.co.uk
English
Technology Winner of Product of the Year Award in the USA
The
leading glass publication in North America, US Glass Magazine, has announced
earlier this year, that ClearShield
achieved the number one position in the magazine's prestigious Product
of the Year Awards.
US Glass Magazine is a monthly publication that serves the architectural,
fenestration, metal and glazing industries. US Glass has the largest circulation
of any glass magazine in the United States.
These awards were given to those products that received the highest amount
of reader-service leads during 2002. ClearShield was therefore the technology
that raised the greatest interest throughout the year.
ClearShield Technologies LLC and Ritec lntemational are very proud of
this great achievement, and anticipate more growth in the demand for their
Low-M (Low-Maintenance) Glass technology in the future.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8344 8210
Email: mailto:info@ritec.co.uk
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk
Play
it Safe with Siegenia-Aubi
Siegenia-Aubi
has received Secured By Design (SBD) accreditation for its window and
door hardware products.
Gary
Fisher of SBD presented the certificate to Siegenia-Aubi general manager,
Léann Hearne, at the company’s UK headquarters in Coventry.
The Siegenia-Aubi shootbolt espagnolette, PVC security and aluminium tilt
and turn hardware systems, widely used in residential and commercial applications
worldwide, have all been awarded Secured By Design status.
According to Léann, security has always played an important role
within new product development activities at Siegenia-Aubi and SBD recognition
is a positive affirmation of this commitment.
She says, ‘Secured By Design is well recognised and respected throughout
the building industry as a benchmark for quality. Now our customers can
see our ongoing commitment to security and product quality at a glance.’
Aluminium is currently a significant growth area for Siegenia-Aubi and
Léann is confident that the SBD certification of the popular LM4200
pre-assembled, clamp-on tilt and turn hardware system will help boost
further growth in this market.
She adds, ‘Nowadays many specifiers will not even consider a product
without SBD certification. Whilst our products have always been manufactured
to the highest standards, formal Secured By Design recognition will give
them the industry recognised status that specifiers and end users demand.
Tel: 024 7662 2000
Email: mailto:si-uk@siegenia.com
Web: http://www.siegenia.de
Cambrian
Conservatory World’s Salesman of the Year, Simon White, is enjoying
an all-expenses paid weekend for two in Paris, courtesy of Quantal
Conservatory Roofing Systems.
Tony Marshall, Director of Sales at Quantal, presented Simon with his
prize at Cambrian’s showroom in Swansea.
Nigel Hocking, Sales Director for Cambrian, says, ‘This is the first
year we have run such a competition. It was conceived as an incentive
to motivate our sales force and reward them for their hard work.
‘Simon won because he achieved consistent results throughout the
year, bringing in almost £1million of business.
‘Next year’s prize, a weekend for two in New York, is already
encouraging some healthy competition!’ concludes Nigel.
‘We are pleased to sponsor this competition,’ explains Tony
Marshall. ‘As a valued member of the Approved Quantal Retail Network,
Cambrian continues to expand and develop its business, offering a first
class conservatory package to its customers. We are delighted to support
and encourage this growth.’
For further information visit http://www.quantal.co.uk
Tel: 01626 836 403
Securistyle
Receives ISO Certification!
Securistyle
Ltd,
manufacturer of architectural hardware, has achieved BS EN ISO 9001:2000
certification following the completion of the recent full reassessment
of its quality management system by BSI.
The certification confirms that the company retains a fully auditable
quality management system that consists of quality policies, processes
and procedures, first implemented at Securistyle Ltd. Under the initial
scheme, BS5750 Part 1, in 1986. The new standard is focused towards the
continual improvement of the business, its overall efficiency and capability
of responding to customer needs and expectations.
Securistyle managing director, Paul Cook, said: 'Since we began working
towards the new standard, staff communication, morale and motivation have
been enhanced further. We see BS EN ISO 9001:2000 not only as a quality
management system, but as a fully integrated business management system,
inextricably linked to all parts of the operation. However, it is the
customers who will really benefit, as the certification ensures they receive
a consistent quality of products, leading to fewer complaints and delays.'
Tel: 01242 221200
Email: mailto:info@securistyle.co.uk
Web: http://www.securistyle.co.uk
The
Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2003
In May this year the 11th annual Daily
Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards to find the
Best New Home of 2003 were launched by Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine.
The Awards are widely considered to be the UK's most important, exclusively
for individually designed homes.
The judges wondered if Homebuilding
& Renovating Magazine
could possibly raise the exceptionally high standard of entries that have
been enjoyed in previous years but they were taken aback by the consistently
outstanding quality of the homes that the magazine's readers are building.
This year's Best New Homes 2003 Awards are to be featured on Discovery
Home & Leisure, the UK's leading television channel for self-build,
renovation and home improvements.
Each of the 10 shortlisted projects is subject to their own special 3
minute programme, which will be broadcast on the channel from 1st - 10th
November.
Home & Leisure viewers and H&R readers have the opportunity to
select their favourite 'Best New Home of 2003' from the various categories,
using both interactive voting on the channel and the website, http://www.homeandleisure.co.uk.
The final viewers' choice of 'Best New Home of 2003' will be announced
during a special 30 minute finale programme on 15th November which will
coincide with the official Awards announcement.
To give your opinion on who should win, watch the Discovery Home &
Leisure channel and register your vote interactively or online at http://www.homeandleisure.co.uk.
Web: http://www.homebuilding.co.uk
Jansen
Test Success for Schüco Steel System
The
Jansen VISS curtain wall system, distributed exclusively by Schüco
International, has been successfully tested to CWCT Standard
Test Sequence B. The test provides documented evidence as proof of the
system’s ability to withstand severe weather conditions up to a maximum
design wind pressure of 2400Pa. In addition, a discretionary hosepipe
test was also applied successfully. The test also demonstrated the exceptional
air tightness of the VISS system. The air ingress was less than 10 per
cent of that allowed.
The Jansen VISS series is a fully insulated steel curtain wall system
for use in both fire and non fire rated applications. It is suitable for
large vertical areas using mullions and transoms based on a dry pressure
glazed system. Both doors and windows can also be incorporated into the
system.
Schüco believes that the success of the CWCT test demonstrates the
strength and durability of the VISS curtain walling, with the product
demonstrating weathering and thermal performance, proving to be robust
enough to accommodate any design specifications.
Jansen VISS has the benefit of narrow sightlines, minimising the obtrusion
of mullions and transoms. The new Linea and Delta profile designs give
more architectural freedom from traditional rectangular profiles. In terms
of safety, steel is renowned for its strength and the system offers high
security and vandal resistance.
The test was carried out as part of an investigation into the performance
of the system generally and as verification for a specific contract, the
Pfizer building in Kent where Jansen VISS was used by fabricator and installer,
Charles Henshaw and Sons for curtain wall fabricator, SLW.
Web: http:// www.schueco.co.uk
Quality
Award for Glass Qualifications Authority Ltd (GQA)
Following
an assessment by an independent international body, GQA
has been awarded the new BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Certification. This prestigious
award for quality, is supported by the Government and recognised worldwide.
The award recognises GQA's commitment to an exceptional quality of service.
With only around 3% of UK business holding this new certificate, GQA says
it is now at the forefront of quality service and customer care.
GQA is the only awarding body offering glass and glass related NVQ and
SVQ qualifications. Whilst active across all sectors of the industry,
a particular growth area is related to GQA NVQ/SVQ qualifications that
contribute to the Building Regulations and the authorisation of CSCS cards
(an essential requirement for all persons operating on major building
sites in 2004).
Said a delighted Chairman, Mike Morris, 'We have always been proud of
the service we offer our clients. Now with the award, this has been confirmed
by outside experts who are used to judging service on a daily basis in
a wide variety of trades and industries'.
The international independent body, QMS Quality Management Systems, paid
particular tribute to 'the investment in people and training that enables
GQA to provide an efficient service to their customers'.
Tel: 0114 272 0033
Email: mailto:gqa@btconnect.com
Web: http://www.glassqualificationsauthority.com
2003
Specification Awards Guild of Architectural Ironmongers in Conjunction
with the Royal Institute of British Architects
Category:
Established Buildings
Commendation
Project: Fellowship House Goodenough College London
The
RIBA suggested an established building category for the Architectural
Ironmongery Specification Awards several years ago, said the RIBA's Keith
Snook, but this is the first time that 'significant entries' have been
received. 'This was good to see at long last,' he said. 'I was beginning
to think that the ironmongery industry had no confidence in the durability
of its products.'
Fellowship House was initiated by Goodenough College, a private trust,
to provide accomodation in Central London for overseas students and visiting
academics. The project, for which Rolfe Judd was architect, comprises
five 1840's houses forming part of Mecklenburgh Square, and new-build
mews units to the rear. The existing Grade II-listed townhouses now form
a single building, which has been refurbished to create 53 new bedrooms
with en-suite facilities, an ancillary staff room, laundry and business
centre. The new building at the back provides 12 one- and two-bedroom
units.
The project involved restoration of the building, leaving as much of the
original fabric as possible. Ironmongery features a mixture of traditional
brass and stainless steel finished door furniture, specified by Alan Thomas
from the southeastern office of Cairney Hardware.
This includes traditional mortice locks and bespoke oval knob handles
in unlacquered brass. Of particular interest were the access control lock
and lever handle sets that were provided with a central console and computer
software specifically designed for this type of application.
For the new mews building, Cairney specified stainless steel lever handles
with matching access control handles to the bedrooms.
Contact: Joelle McKinlay
Tel: 0131 313 1303
Email: mailto:joelle@cairney.com
Web: http://www.cairney.com
Contour
Windows AIMS for Guaranteed Quality
HW
Plastics
fabricator and installer Contour Windows has successfully passed the Quality
Mark and become one of the latest members of HW Plastics' Approved Installer
Membership Scheme (AIMS).
Nuneaton based Contour Windows has been an HW Plastics customer since
it began trading three years ago.
Since then the company says it has built up a reputation in both the trade
and retail sectors for quality and professionalism.
'Our aim has always been to provide our customers with a quality installation.
This is one of the reasons why we don't ask for a deposit as we want customers
to have faith in us as a company,' explains Ian Tibbs, Director of Contour
Windows.
'Being part of the Quality Mark and AIMS gives customers added confidence
in ourselves as well as peace of mind that we are a reputable company.'
The Quality Mark is the Government scheme designed to stamp out cowboys
and reassure customers that they are employing a registered company. By
making the Quality Mark the standard for joining AIMS, HW Plastics is
also ensuring that only the most reputable companies become approved installers
for the company.
In order to gain the Quality Mark and join the AIMS Scheme Contour Windows
went through a rigorous inspection by an independent accreditation organisation
to ensure that the company complied with stringent performance criteria.
Web: http://www.hwplastics.co.uk
Home
Improvement Firm Sponsors E-Commerce Prize
An
e-commerce prize sponsored by home improvement website specialist eBuilders
was won by a student whose project was inspired by the headache of moving
house.
Stacey Ormond, a final-year student at the University of Brighton, used
the experience of domestic upheaval to scoop the inaugural e-commerce
prize comprising a cheque for £100 plus a commemorative certificate.
The prize was awarded for the best project demonstrating how e-commerce
can be used to make businesses more efficient by introducing systems that
will save money within three years. With the memory of a house move fresh
in her mind, Stacey designed a system that would enable the entire process
to be coordinated online through a single source.
'I saw the frustrations, delays and misunderstandings my parents had to
contend with through dealing with so many different organisations and
thought there must be an easier way,' said Stacey. 'I’m delighted
that my project has been recognised and rewarded in this way.'
Aafke Krol, the website content manager at eBuilders, said the company
was pleased to be sponsoring a prize promoting e-commerce.
'We know from our own experience what a fantastic resource the internet
is for doing business,' she said.
'We run the world’s leading conservatory website, http://www.conservatoriesonline.com
which attracts thousands of visitors every day. Businesses and consumers
are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of e-commerce and Stacey’s
project is a prime example of how both sides can tap into these benefits.'
Tel: 01903 856679
Alumet
Highly Commended at Construction Industry Awards
Full
facade specialist Alumet Systems finished
runner up and received a 'Highly Commended' award in the Specialist Contractor
category at the Contract Journal Construction Industry awards at The Grosvenor
Hall Hotel on October 2nd.
Paul O'Grady was the compere and stated that: 'there were a number of
reasons for Alumet being highly commended, not least the company's early
understanding of the supply chain revolution. Rather than being kicked
into shape by national contractors, Alumet has actively sought out the
likes of Taylor Woodrow, and has worked hard to become what it's clients
want it to be. For a small company, it understands the bigger picture,
and pleases clients with it's determined approach.'
Tel: 01926 811677
Email: mailto:info@alumet.co.uk
Web: http://www.alumet.co.uk
Security
Products UK Ltd Achieves ISO9001:2000
Security
Products UK Ltd’s
accreditation to ISO9001:2000 is recognition of the organisation’s
commitment to continuous business improvement and a tribute to its Quality
Management Systems.
'The planning and communication of customer requirements throughout the
organisation is paramount to both the accreditation and to Security Products’
continued success in the industry sector, the proof of which is the confidence
found in products developed by Security Products UK.' says the company.
'Security Products UK Ltd is delighted now that the International Standards
Organisation emulates the consumers' endorsement in their effective delivery
of products.'
Solayr
Wins Award for Bringing Light to Hospital
Conservatory
specialist Solayr of Ayrshire, has
won a special commendation in the annual National Conservatory Competition
for work on a major glazing project at the new Urology Department of Ayr
Hospital. The awards, sponsored by Ultraframe, the international designer
and manufacturer of conservatory systems is an annual showcase of the
best designed and installed conservatories in the UK and Solayr received
a 'best in class' Special Commendation in the Commercial category.
The winning project is a 46m long glass structure which forms a light
filled corridor linking the new Urology Department to the rest of the
hospital and proving a welcoming and peaceful waiting area for patients.
Having worked for the trust on previous contracts, Solayr was only too
aware
of the high levels of quality and technical specification required for
a project of this type. The company opted for a bespoke Ultraframe Victorian
lean-to roof to ensure that the walkway was constructed using the most
up to date conservatory technology, ensuring optimum ventilation and insulation.
The roof is glazed with 25mm opal heat guard polycarbonate to reduce both
heat loss and solar heat gain. Low emissivity glass performs the same
function in the corridors superstructure.
The resulting structure, which is bathed in natural light, is not only
attractive to look at but also fully meets the client's requirements.
Peter Allen, sales director, Ultraframe, says: 'This was a very unusual
project and Solayr rightly deserve its special commendation for its excellent
execution of this design'.
Tel: 01292-288008
Email: mailto:info@solayr.co.uk
Web: http://www.solayr.co.uk
In this month's What's New section of the website the BBA gives full details of all newly awarded, amended, withdrawn or lapsed certificates
New
Certificates
03/4010 REHAU PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - KAYVEX FRAMES LIMITED
03/4030 EUROCELL ULTIMATE 70 PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Malbern uPVC Windows
and Doors Ltd
03/4033 SYNSEAL PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - TFD Scotland Ltd, T/A Trade Frames
Direct
03/4037 ALIFABS ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM COPING SYSTEM
Certificate withdrawals
97/3391 SPECTUS PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Slimline Windows (Yorkshire) Ltd
98/3551 ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - C.I.S. Ltd