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ALUMINIUM ADMINISTRATOR
CWG Choices Limited, is a leading PVCu and Aluminium window, door and conservatory manufacturer. Our continued success means we now have the following opportunity at our Corby, Northamptonshire site:
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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERS
VEKA UK Group is part of the wider VEKA international Group, with seventeen factories across the globe, it is the world’s leading designer and extruder of high quality PVC-U products.
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| People |
To support its quickly expanding range of solutions for IGU manufacturers, Edgetech UK, a Quanex Building Products Company, has added expertise to its sales team.
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It's usually the case that people are the biggest cost in a business as well as its only real competitive advantage. The cost of a wrong hire or a wrong promotion is significant not just salary and recruitment costs but lost opportunity,
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frameXpress Ltd has kicked off the first quarter of this year with a progressive approach as it enters a major new expansion phase.
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Warm Edge spacer system supplier Technoform Glass Insulation has welcomed two new people to the team. Sue is handling accounts from Technoform’s UK office in Blythe Valley Park,
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Chris Powell has been appointed sales director for the Epwin Group Window Systems Division. He is tasked with managing the divisions’ key accounts, the external sales team and for developing new business opportunities.
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Conservatory Outlet has strengthened its production and purchasing departments with two senior new appointments.
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| FIT Show |
Decorative Door Products (DDP) by RegaLead is excited to be returning to the FIT Show 2014, where it promises to lend a splash of colour to proceedings.
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Glazerite Windows Ltd is getting ready to launch no less than six new products to its range on its stand at the FIT show in June.
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Last year’s FIT Show saw the first ever Master Fitter Challenge, where the skills of window,
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At the FIT Show, the MASCO UK Window Group will officially launch its Group-wide rebrand with new visual identities, logos and website uniting all group companies under a single,
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This year’s FIT Show has just got bigger thanks to the opening of Hall 1A at The International Centre Telford.
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Connaught Conservatory Roofs’ stand at this year’s FIT Show will showcase the options that they offer to enable homeowners to customise their conservatories.
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The Apeer stand at this year’s Fabricator and Installer Trade (FIT) show will be twice as good as last year!
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Total Glass, one of the UK’s leading UPVC and aluminium fabricators, returns to this year’s FIT Show with a new stand
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Promac, supplier of machinery, service, spares and tools, is returning to the FIT show this year to exhibit the new and completely revolutionary SL4FF Seamless Quad Welder from Graf Synergy.
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PVCu window and door profile system extruders and distributors Selecta Systems have signed up to exhibit at the second edition of the Fabricator Installer Trade Show
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One of the first visitors to register for this year’s FIT show was David Thornton, Managing Director of The Window Company (Contracts),
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ISO Chemie, one of Europe’s leading producers of foam sealant tapes, will be displaying its A+ rated window installation systems at the FIT Show 2014 (Stand 380).
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Rehau is giving the first hints about its stand at the FIT show with a new press and online campaign featuring white coated scientists and the hashtag #THEREHAULAB.
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With only a few months to go until this year’s show in Telford, plans are well underway at Liniar to return even bigger and better this year.
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One company beginning to make plans for this year’s FIT Show is Haffner and Murat. Dave Thomas, the company’s Managing Director, said,
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Distinction Doors has announced its plans for this year’s FIT Show. Drew Wright, Distinction’s Managing Director, said,
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Following a very successful show in 2013, SWISSPACER is busy preparing for the FIT Show 2014 and has moved to a new, more prominent stand near the entrance of Hall 3.
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| Triple Glazing Q? |
Richard Bate, Build Check’s Technical Director, warns companies looking to add triple glazed windows that they should ensure they are covered with a valid CE Mark.
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A number of recent articles and debate around the “Triple Glazing Question” have highlighted the need for simple comparisons between the alternative glazing products and configurations possible for a site or location,
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The Triple Glazing Question live debate is next week on 10 April. Over 540 tickets have already gone showing the high level of interest in the potential effects of triple glazing in the UK.
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Kömmerling are the latest high profile company to join the Triple Glazing Question debate, which will be held at the Ricoh Arena on 10th April 2014.
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Ahead of the Triple Glazing Question Martin Althorpe, technical director at Spectus Window Systems gives a frank and honest overview of where triple glazing fits into the UK market
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| Exhibitions |
A 20 per cent increase in visitor numbers at The National Homebuilding and Renovating Show and The Home Improvement Show this year put 500 companies from the self-build,
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JELD-WEN, manufacturer of timber windows, doors and stairs, teamed up with HRH The Prince of Wales’s charity, The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community,
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Once again glasstec will live up to its role as the leading international trade fair for the glass industry in 2014.
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The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is planning to host two unique workshops at Counter Terror Expo 2014 (London Olympia) on 29 April in the Security Solutions Theatre.
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| Fensterbau |
Banbury-based Glazpart, enjoyed a very successful first appearance at the renowned Fensterbau/Frontale 2014 exhibition.
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The Veka UK Group has enjoyed great success at the world-renowned Fensterbau exhibition during the company's third consecutive appearance at the international show.
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The exhibition duo HOLZ-HANDWERK and fensterbau/frontale ended on Saturday, 29 March 2014, with a new record result. Over 108,000 trade visitors,
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| Events |
CENSolutions, the consultancy and test facility for the window, door and glazing industries, has announced its presence at the Trading Standards Institute Conference
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The next PIGS networking event is in Birmingham on 10 April. With a record number of sponsors it looks like PIGS is set to be a success.
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Independent research, test and design specialists Glass Technology Services Ltd (GTS) will be debating current developments and looking forward to future innovations at Glass Focus 2014
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PIGS is back and on tour. In its tenth year, the first event for 2014 is in Birmingham on 10 April at the Pitcher and Piano.
READ NOW
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| Machinery |
Machinery supplier Haffner has just signed a sole supplier agreement to become the UK’s official agent for ITALMAC aluminium machinery.
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| Marketing |
Just released by independent researchers D&G Consulting, The PVC Window and Door Market for the 28 countries of the European Union plus Turkey
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Young footballers in Kent are helping to spread the plastic recycling message thanks to a sponsorship deal by local firm Veka Recycling Ltd.
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Deceuninck has launched InstallerPro, a new service that gives installers an efficient and cost effective way to prove their compliance with mandatory regulations.
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National trade fabricator Crystal Direct has a new exhibition lorry to show off its wide product range.
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| Charities |
A fantastic four from door specialists Solidor are taking on Douglas Macmillan Hospice’s Bike Ride on Sunday 18th May,
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Father of three, Rob Horton, who finishes his daily shift at UK Window Systems, before dashing off to report for duty at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service,
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Emplas’ Mike Crewdson will attempt to complete the 192 mile coast to coast walk across the North of England in just eight days to raise £10,000 for St Ann’s Hospice in Manchester.
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| Products |
Known for its innovative approach to design and development, systems house Liniar is delighted to welcome its newest team member,
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Now aluminium bi-fold doors are firmly established as a home improvement product more homeowners are looking to the slimline benefits of aluminium for replacement windows and doors as well.
The solution according to Portsmouth-based trade fabricator Window Warehouse
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Cheshire based fabricator Dekko Window Systems have announced they are now offering their popular Residence 9 (R9) window system in two new authentic timber colours,
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A leading international supplier of friction stays will roll out a major production improvement programme in the next few months. Cotswold Architectural Products has committed to an investment strategy that will allow it to significantly increase its capacity.
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New to the Schueco AWS aluminium window range is the high performance AWS 120 CC.SI which combines exceptional levels of sound and thermal insulation with integral solar shading.
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Solidor has again been chosen by Winkhaus as a launch partner, this time for the patented blueMatic AV2-B battery operated automatic multi-point locking system,
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Kömmerling has just launched AluStar, an aluminium clad outward opening PVCu window based on their market leading C70 Gold® and O70 Gold® platforms,
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Independent conservatory manufacturer Prefix Systems have helped open up in a new era for the conservatory market that will affect everyone throughout the supply chain,
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Sierra Windows is pleased to announce that it now offers A+ energy rated windows as part of its product package.
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With the rising demand for gas-filled triple glazed units, UK component supplier Thermoseal Group has introduced two new sizes to its Thermobar warm edge range - 7.5mm and 9.5mm gas keys.
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Systems house Liniar opened its doors to customers for two days in March to launch a range of new products and show off the revamped showroom at its Derbyshire headquarters.
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Having reported rapid growth in its DoorColour offering, Decorative Door Products (DDP) by RegaLead is pleased to announce that it can now provide a colour coating supply solution to meet the needs of any business.
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Thermoseal Group, manufacturer of warm edge spacer, has released a new range of internal spacer bar and fittings in sizes 11.5mmx18mm and 15.5mmx18mm
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| Fabricator Focus |
As the 'Best Overall Winner' and 'Best in the Region' Awards went to Thistle Windows and Conservatories at last year's Network Veka AGM,
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Trade fabricator Modplan’s patio door, part of a comprehensive portfolio of products, is manufactured in the fabricator’s dedicated door plant.
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Wigan-based Veka fabricator M and M Windows is moving to a new factory on the town's Little Lane, Gooses Green.
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Trade fabricator Glazerite Windows Limited is celebrating reaching £100million sales in less than 14 years since it was founded.
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Staffordshire-based fabricator Cutting Edge UPVC chose Deceuninck for its ‘range of foil colours, shorter lead times,
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A complete range of frames in Rehau Total 70 profile are on display in a new showroom which has just opened at the Dessian Products factory in Scotland for use by both trade and commercial customers.
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Pontefract based fabricator Dempsey Dyer recently supported trade customer, G-13 Installer of the Year, PJ Plastics with the opening of its new showroom,
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Colin Tough Joinery marked the launch of its new showroom and workshop facilities with an open day event held at its base in Kintore, Inverurie.
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Network Veka trade fabricator Modplan is celebrating a strong first quarter of 2014 and with exciting plans for the rest of year,
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Vertical slider manufacturer, Mercury Glazing Supplies, has recently sponsored a local U16s rugby team with a new playing kit.
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| Projects |
Hereford Glass featured on national television after taking part in the latest series of Channel 4’s Restoration Man.
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Kirkintilloch Library in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire had nearly 180 ageing aluminium tilt and turn windows, therefore East Dunbartonshire Council awarded the contract to replace the windows to CMS Window System.
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Windows from Black Millwork’s product range have been installed at a lavish multi-million pound house in Surrey
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As summertime approaches, people will be looking to spend more time outdoors and enjoy the fresh air while sitting on a café terrace. P C Henderson
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Thermally-efficient PVC-U windows and Secured by Design-accredited composite doors supplied by Total Glass have contributed to newbuild homes
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EAG have been appointed by Shepherd Construction as specialist glazing subcontractor to provide a mixture of curtain walling,
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Adams Rite, part of ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, a division of ASSA ABLOY, has supplied panic exit devices for an undergraduate accommodation complex
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Georgian style windows have become increasingly popular in recent years with both planners and homeowners looking to add a striking affect to finished projects. frameXpress
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| Construction |
Despite Chancellor George Osborne’s budget pledge to ‘get Britain building’,
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Healthy growth in the residential and commercial sectors during the first quarter of 2014 shows UK construction confidence is increasing, according to the latest figures from industry analysts Glenigan.
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| Glass |
Magden Ltd, supplier and distributor of warm edge spacer bars, insulated glass products and plastic building products, reports record Swisspacer sales.
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Following its introduction to residential markets last year, Ritec International expanded the Ritec One Stop Shop™
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| Awards/Standards |
Skylight designer and manufacturer, Sunsquare has cemented its position at the forefront of the industry after becoming the first to receive accreditation for its products from BSI.
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| Internet |
Marketing materials for composite doors have always focused on three things: security, energy efficiency and aesthetics. And while the security and thermal efficiency are vital benefits, it’s often the aesthetics that capture homeowners’ imaginations. Distinction Doors
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The Cornwall Glass Groups 15 branches have received a digital make over on their individual branch websites.
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Graffika Media and Design have always tried to stay one step ahead of the game, within design, marketing or digital media. They have now partnered with a company who have developed a unique service for the internet.
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The K2 Conservatories website features a new online Directory function which is designed to enable UK homeowners to search by postcode and quickly find K2 product installers operating in and around their local area.
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| Training |
UPVC Maintenance Supplies is running a series of short training courses to help customers identify and solve on-site door and window maintenance problems instantly, when on emergency repair call-outs.
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| Brochures / Video |
Following the launch of the brand new complementary range of products earlier this year, HOPPE (UK), unveils its latest brochure designed to support customers with the sale of this range.
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Rehau has added a new consumer video to its website to help its Authorised Partners selling into the retail sector.
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| Solar |
The BRE National Solar Centre (NSC) has carried out a comprehensive survey of jobs in the solar sector in 2013, detailing both staffing numbers and site installation activities.
Commissioned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC),
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Are we about to turn the corner?
As much as I am delighted to report on a continuation of the UK economic recovery - and long may it be so – I am of the opinion that now that the signals are there for genuine optimism moving forward, one only now realises how very difficult the preceding five years have actually been. We, in the main, have concentrated on survival and modest progress, without the freedom or confidence to plan and project actual business growth.
There are pockets, I know, of outstanding success in what has been a depressed market, and much power to their elbows, but business life in general has been tough. So you will forgive me if I continue to harp on about the economic upturn, because for the first time in a long time I can actually say with some conviction that there are better times ahead……I think…..
In this weeks issue we also have, news of the relaunch of Trustmark here, the final countdown to TGQ here, and of course the PIGs after event.
I hope you enjoy this weeks issue.
Please send all your news stories to news@the-glazine.com or should you wish to contact me directly
tony@the-glazine.com
Tony Higgin
Publisher
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We Have Email
Dear Tony
The Elephant In The Room
It was refreshing to see a response to my earlier letter in regards to CE Marking, and I must thank Mike Gallard of CENSolutions for his support and taking this matter seriously.
One of the points that Mike made, and I would also like to stress if FENSA would check for the CE Mark, and non-compliance is found, pass it on to the relevant authority (trading standards), this would at least limit the growing problem. If FENSA did not exist, windows would still be checked by the local authority building inspector, and this issue would have been put to bed on 1st July 2013. If Veka Network can check for CE Marking compliance within their system, I cannot understand why FENSA cannot.
Read the Rest Here...
Dear Tony
Consumer Rights Bill Changes – proposed 30 day right to reject
I wanted to write to congratulate the GGF on their efforts in relation to the proposed changes to the Consumer Rights Bill. Some time ago I wrote to the press to discuss my concerns for the industry if changes to the Consumer Rights Directive were to pass in 2013, allowing consumers a 14 day cooling off period. There are now changes in the pipeline which could see the consumer being offered a 30 day cooling off period including a right to reject all windows on a project if just one were to contain a fault and if installed inside those 30 days. The GGF are fighting our corner, but we should all be doing our bit to affect change.
Of course, consumer rights are essential. We are an industry renowned for pressure selling, albeit the minority that gives the rest of us a bad reputation, so it’s essential that the consumer is protected. The Bill has been put forward as a measure to make consumer rights much more straightforward, I’m just concerned that it does not fully understand the nuances of the home improvement industry.
Read the Rest Here...
Dear Tony
Triple glazing or Trouble Glazing? The real question.
Whilst I fully appreciate the excitement amongst our friends in the supply chain over the “opportunity” to potentially increase sales of their products by 50 to 100%, we mustn’t lose sight of reality here for beneath the hype there are numerous considerations that are being disregarded, some of which are listed below:
Read the Rest Here...
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This Week's News
UK economy extends recovery as factories boost output, wages rise
Britain's economy extended its strong recovery into this year, data showed today (Tuesday), with manufacturing jumping by much more than expected, companies reporting a buoyant first quarter and signs of a pick-up in wages.
The pound surged as the Office for National Statistics said manufacturing output expanded by 1.0 percent in February from January - its biggest increase since September last year.
Factory production was 3.8 percent higher than in the same month of 2013, the biggest increase by that measure in three years.
Economists in a Reuters poll had expected a month-on-month rise of 0.3 percent and a 3.1 percent increase for the year.
Overall industrial output, which includes power generation and Britain's North Sea oil production as well as manufacturing, climbed 0.9 percent on the month, recovering from a weak January when bad weather hampered North Sea oil and gas production.
The figure was stronger than a forecast of a 0.3 percent increase in the Reuters poll.
Compared with a year ago, industrial output was up 2.7 percent, the ONS said.
British Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne last month announced measures to help manufacturers under long-standing plans to make Britain's economy less dependent on consumer demand.
After staging a surprisingly fast recovery in 2013, Britain's economy is growing more quickly than almost all other developed countries, a fillip for Osborne who will attend a meeting of the International Monetary Fund this week.
Last year, he resisted pressure from the International Monetary Fund to rein in the government's austerity programme and spend more to get the recovery going.
With the recovery accompanied by subdued inflation, Bank of England policymakers, who meet this week, are in no rush to raise interest rates from their record low of 0.5 percent. The Bank has signalled the second quarter of next year as the most likely timing for a rate hike.
Read the Rest Here...
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GGF Pleased with TrustMark Relaunch
The GGF was pleased to see TrustMark - the Government-backed quality mark for reputable tradesmen - relaunched last week by Consumer Minister Jenny Willott, with new improved standards of consumer protection under a renewed master licence from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
In one of the first major announcements from the joint industry and Government industrial strategy for construction, ‘Construction 2025’, Peter Hansford, the Government’s Chief Construction Adviser, will also emphasise the Government’s strong commitment to TrustMark and call upon more firms to get behind the scheme which is central to boosting the reputation of tradesmen and consumer confidence in the domestic repairs, maintenance and improvement market.
TrustMark’s relaunch brought together more than 100 invited guests from industry and consumer protection groups at a reception in Westminster. The Consumer Minister announced the new core criteria – the Government-endorsed standards at the heart of the TrustMark scheme – and urged the whole industry to meet these new standards, which cover customer service, good trading practices and technical competence.
Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented "The Glass & Glazing Federation has been involved with TrustMark since its launch in 2005 and we are pleased to still be involved in 2014 with this relaunch and the new core criteria. We have no doubt the further increases in enquiries by householders this year will be of major benefit for GGF Member companies."
Some of the key changes to the TrustMark core criteria include:
Read the Rest Here...
The final countdown … to The Triple Glazing Question
It’s the final countdown. There are just hours left before The Triple Glazing Question throws open the doors to the Ricoh Arena. In just five months the whole event has been organised with venue, speakers and stakeholders.
“Over 580 tickets have already been reserved and we’re looking forward to a successful day. The industry has certainly got behind the debate,” says Andy Jones, managing director of Edgetech UK, hosts of The Triple Glazing Question.
“The debate is already in full flow between sales and technical with some big differences showing. But it’s not just about the pros and cons of triple glazing. It’s also about the practicalities of manufacturing and installation.
“We can’t get all the answers and every part of the supply chain has different issues. Thursday is about moving the debate forward. I’m confident there’s going to be a lot of information for companies and we will have a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities for the industry.”
Read the Rest Here...
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A clear view with antifog glass
Forget condensation and enjoy a clear view with Antifog (AF) glass, the new range of glazing solutions in AGC’s high performance Planibel Low-e family that features clear float glass with a transparent pyrolytic coating to the outside of the glass.
As advancements in magnetron coated glass lead to more thermally efficient IG units, this can result in unsightly condensation to the outside of the building. Proud new customers of a new conservatory or new windows could find themselves unable to see through their windows at certain times of the year or in certain climatic conditions. AGC now has the solutions that will virtually eliminate these common problems and more.
Read the Rest Here...
100% of homeowners want their own BFRC energy rating certificate
BFRC asked 523 randomly selected homeowners in England and Wales whether they wanted a Homeowners Energy Rating Certificate – and all of them (100%) said ‘yes’.
This BFRC certificate is specific to the property and the products purchased and will feature the installers name and date of installation as well as the well-known ‘rainbow’ colour label. The ratings displayed will be ‘A+’ to ‘C’ for windows and ‘A+’ to ‘G’ for doors
It is the only such certificate available in the UK glazing sector.
This certificate is a valuable new marketing tool for installers. Issuing of the certificate can be promoted by the installer to the homeowner as a value added benefit of using that company. It will also link the new windows or doors supplied with the installation company and could facilitate ‘word of mouth’ recommendation.
Read the Rest Here...
Aluminium domestic renaissance to continue, says report
A report into the future of the aluminium sector has revealed an optimistic outlook for the industry, with aluminium installers expecting domestic demand for the material to rise this year and beyond.
Aluminium supplier CDW Systems, who have been in business for over twenty years, commissioned Insight Data to carry out the aluminium growth report, which asked respondents their thoughts on the future of the industry and factors currently affecting their business.
The survey polled 5657 aluminium installers in the UK.
In the report installers were asked whether they would rather buy from a specialist supplier or multiple material fabricator, with an overwhelming 88.24 % saying they would prefer the former.
Respondents were also asked what improvements they’d like their supplier to make; with 72.22 % saying they would like to see leads time become faster and 44 % said that they’d like to see service improve.
A huge 72.22 % of those polled also said that the aluminium product they install most is bi-folding doors, with 83.33% saying standard windows.
Read the Rest Here...
Manual released to help installers meet consumer demands
A leading consumer support organisation has published a manual to help installers respond to evolving buyer demands.
The Consumer Protection Association has published a document called ‘Why are the legalities important?’
Using the document installers can find out how they can use ‘boring’ legislation changes; legal frameworks and insurance backed guarantees to boost sales within their business.
The manual can be downloaded from the CPA’s website. Jeremy Brett, who is a Director at the organisation, comments: “The legalities do matter- whether it is terms and conditions to protect an installer’s business, insurance backed guarantees and deposit protection that are crucial to winning profitable new business; or changes around consumer legislation and the industry – we can help.
Read the Rest Here...
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