And in second place

It is already a source of embarrassment that home improvement firms come so high (or should we say low?) in the table of complaints over trading standards issues – but to hear they come second only to used car salesmen puts them in another league of shame altogether.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute points out that not only can such problems lead to heavy fines or even prison but that doing things properly in the first place can only enhance a tradesman’s reputation. This may seem like stating the obvious, especially in an industry where reputation means repeat business, but it is a message that still hasn’t clicked with the very many who seem content to leave a trail of ill-feeling behind them. Read Story

And on an altogether more palatable note, for the many who know Michael Gannon, now retired but former editor of a couple of glazing mags: Mike has written a book, ‘Eat Drink and be Merry’ which is published on Kindle/Amazon and as we are assured it has nothing whatsoever to do with the window industry, it might provide a pleasant diversion.

Whatever your taste in reading matter, we hope you find something of interest in this week’s issue.

Chris Church Editor

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

This Week's News

Manslaughter verdict for window frame death

A site manager has been found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence after three window frames weighing over half a ton fell and killed a passer-by.

Lawyer Amanda Telfer, 43, was crushed to death on 30 August 2012 in Hanover Square, Mayfair when the large unsecured frames toppled over.

Kelvin Adsett, 64 of Slough, the on-site project manager for IS Europe Ltd, was convicted at the Old Bailey on Thursday of manslaughter by gross negligence. A second worker, Damian Lakin-Hall, 50 of Cobham, Surrey was acquitted of manslaughter but both were convicted of offences contrary to Section 7a of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Both were bailed to appear at the same court for sentencing on 5 May.

Read More Here...

New Trading Standards guidance for home improvement businesses

Home improvement companies come second only to used car salesmen in the league table of most complained about businesses, with over 34,000 cases reported in the last year alone.

The statistic was revealed yesterday (March 27) as Trading Standards experts published new guidance aimed at improving customer service in the home improvements sector.

Read More Here...

More details on Glass Systems acquisition

Press Glass SA of Poland has given further details of the acquisition of two Pilkington factories, their order books and its Cervoglass brand by its UK-based Glass Systems subsidiary, as announced last week.

Both factories were producing for the residential market, says the company, and the move will now give the Glass Systems Group an estimated 20% of that market in the UK, says the company. The two factories’ output will double GSG’s current production to 80,000 IGUs a week.

Read More Here...

TrustMark seeks Chairman and an industry director

TrustMark is inviting applicants for a new independent chairman, and another new director to represent industry interests on the Board.

The current chairman, Liz Male, steps down in July following completion of her two full terms of office.

Read More Here...

We Have Email

From: Michele Wietscher, Director,
Newview Windows & Conservatories

SMEs are the backbone of the economy but the upcoming business rates rises – which come into effect on April 1st – can only have an adverse impact. Businesses will find a way to survive them but it could mean saving money elsewhere.

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From: Gareth Mobley, CEO,
Solidor & Residor

Since President Trump started labelling people, news organisations and news he didn’t like as ‘fake news’ the phrase has been in the news. It’s one of the internet’s favourite memes.

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