A disappointing incident

The story of a vulnerable pensioner alleged to have been sold £6,000 of doors instead of a £50 replacement handle not only highlights the importance of a code of practice in our industry but is also a stark reminder that the worst stereotype of the ‘double glazing salesman’ is still there to haunt us.

The GGF is right to express disappointment and point to its own, highly laudable Code of Conduct but of course, it only applies to member companies – and those operators most in need of such controls probably never will be. Meanwhile, the video accompanying the online article, showing her son confronting the salesman makes for compelling viewing.

Changing the subject entirely to the matter of merciless predatory beasts, for anyone who likes to get up close with a few Sumatran tigers, take a look at a few pieces of glass that you really, really hope have been toughened. Read Story

Predators or pussycats, we hope you enjoy this week’s issue.

Chris Church Editor

Please send all your news stories to news@the-glazine.com

This Week's News

Polyframe acquires
WB Group

Polyframe Group is back on the acquisition trail with the announcement this week that it has successfully acquired The Window Bureau Limited (WB Group), manufacturer of PVC-U windows, doors and infill panels and GRP composite doors based in Birtley, Co Durham.

This acquisition, which was prompted by the retirement of WB Group’s founder and chairman, Kevin Craggs, is the first for Polyframe since its management led buy-out in July this year . A statement from investment firm Cairngorm Capital Partners LLP says “The acquisition facilitates opportunities for further innovation and growth, by increasing manufacturing capability, strengthening product development and expanding Polyframe’s product range.”

WB Group’s Managing Director, Tony Craggs will join Polyframe’s senior management team to run the expanded door division, which will continue to provide composite and PVCu doors from WB’s 70,000sq ft Birtley facility as well as a specialist door service that will be based at Polyframe’s existing Mansfield facility.

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Press exposé shows need for Code of Conduct, says GGF

The GGF has reacted with disappointment at a newspaper report of a vulnerable pensioner who was said to have been sold nearly £6,000 or doors when all she needed was a £50 replacement handle. But the organisation says the incident underlines the importance of any company having an approved Consumer Code of Practice.

GGF Director of Home Improvement Brian Smith emphasised that the company, Zenith Staybrite is not a GGF member but he said: “It is very disappointing for the glazing industry in general to learn of this incident. Incidents such as this underline the importance of the GGF’s Consumer Code of Practice which was approved this year by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. It is the only approved code in the glass and glazing industry and all consumer facing Members have to adhere to it.”

As part of the GGF Consumer Code of Practice, Members are issued with detailed GGF Guidance on dealing with vulnerable consumers, with which they must comply. This Guide advises Members to take the necessary time and effort to ensure that vulnerable consumers are provided with the best possible service and extra care and support when required. The Guidance stresses the importance for consumers to fully understand all aspects of signing a contract for goods and services, including the financial implications.

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More growth on the cards after 40th anniversary

Further acquisitions and a host of new products can be expected from Epwin Window Systems in the near future, the company told a gathering of trade press during the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Epwin Group.

The hints came as Managing Director Clare O’Hara outlined the company’s plans for the future, after describing its products as already being ‘the most innovative and comprehensive product range on the market’ but with ‘a great deal more to come’.

Clare, offering a view of where the company is heading, said the company’s brands including Profile 22, Spectus, Swish, PatioMaster and Safeware are all thriving with major product and customer support initiatives brought to market or planned for each. Of the new Optima system from Profile 22, one of the largest investments in Epwin’s history, Clare described the launch as being ‘a great way to celebrate the company’s birthday’.

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GM Christmas cards on sale again

GM Fundraising has again commissioned the children at Hope House Children’s Hospices to create some very special Christmas cards that are now on sale.

“This year Chloe, Justin and Callie from Hope House made the wonderful Christmas drawings used to create this unique set of cards” explained Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising. “These cards have become a tradition for us and every year the designs from the children get more and more special. Last year we sold more than 5000 cards, many of which were personalised with company logos and messages. Every penny raised went straight to the Hope House Children’s Hospice.

“With Christmas fast approaching, why not be traditional and send a Christmas card to your customers, friends and family, while giving money to these amazing children and supporting this worthy cause at the same time? “

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Building demand bucks Brexit in Q3 – FMB

Consumer demand for building work remained resilient in the three months following the vote for Brexit, according to new figures from the Federation of Master Builders.

Commenting on the results of the first UK-wide survey of the SME construction sector post-referendum, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Ongoing workloads for construction SMEs remained remarkably resilient in the months following the referendum vote, suggesting that consumer demand – which accounts for the bulk of SME work – has held up far better than anticipated. Some of the other key indicators of SME activity, such as employment levels, anticipated workloads and new work enquiries, are all positive, albeit showing slowed growth compared to the previous quarter. If we all agree that construction is a “weather vane” industry, and demand for home improvement and new build homes an important gauge of consumer confidence, then our results chime with the cautious positivity demonstrated across construction and the wider housing market.

“That being said, construction bosses will be taking nothing for granted. Growth has softened compared to the buoyant first half of the year and some parts of the UK have gone into decline. In particular, London is flat-lining which is concerning given that it is typically one of the strongest markets for construction SMEs. Our feeling is that the construction skills shortage, which we know is particularly pronounced in London and the south east, is starting to bite.”

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