Big numbers

It seems somehow superfluous to say any more about what over 250 companies and many thousands of industry people will be doing by this time next week, except to repeat that, if the figures are anything to be believed, it is going to be quite some event.

Much bigger numbers have emerged from the Information Commissioner’s Office where we hear that one telesales outfit made 100 million calls in 18 months, leading to over 1,000 complaints. It’s an interesting irony that it should emerge just as the industry is nervously awaiting the launch of White Gold, the TV comedy based on the exploits of a bunch of 80s ‘double glazing salesmen’. Perhaps, while most would plead that the industry has moved on from then, we have a reminder that the hard-sell brigade have not disappeared, simply evolved.
Read Story

Speaking of big numbers, congratulations to Kenrick on celebrating 230 years in business, which quite possibly makes it the second oldest company in this industry after Saint-Gobain at 352 years – unless of course anyone out there knows of any others. Read Story

And of course, the other big news this week is that all the main political parties have promised to build enough new homes to make grass and trees a thing of the past. Should we hold our breath?

Chris Church Editor

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

This Week's News

New window group combines PVC, ali,
timber and glass

A new £16million-sales window group claiming to be the first in Scotland to manufacture, timber, aluminium, PVCu and glass products for trade and commercial customers was announced this week.

The Saveheat Group has been created by the consolidation of Merlin Network (Scotland) along with the formation of Blairs Aluminium Systems, Blairs Timber Windows and Saveheat Glass.

Behind the move are two familiar industry names, Alex Gray, photographed, right, as Managing director and Colin Torley, Sales and Operations Director.

Read More Here...

Network Veka is out
…I.N. is in

Network Veka has revealed further details of its major rebranding read story including the change of the organisation’s name to Independent Network and a new logo incorporating the Veka diamond along with the new name and the initials I.N.

The Veka UK Group Marketing Director Dawn Stockell said “Our ‘recipe’ – our brand purpose and values – remain unchanged. That said, the evolution of our brand identity shows that we are more consumer aware; we know what customers want and we are adapting our communication to better resonate with their needs. We’ve done much to redress public opinion in the industry with our many loyal customers.
However, the mistrust that still exists elsewhere makes Independent Network – still powered by Veka – as relevant as ever!”

Read More Here...

Wood windows set for ‘C2C’ Silver tag

The Wood Window Alliance has completed a feasibility study for a typical wooden window frame against the Materials Health elements of the ‘C2C’ Cradle to Cradle Certified standard.

The feasibility study, available to download from the WWA website, demonstrates that wood is a healthy option that can easily meet the Silver level of the standard. The organisation says this now paves the way for members to get a full product assessment at a reduced cost, and target gold - or even platinum - standards.

C2C is a framework that seeks to create systems that are not only efficient but also essentially waste free.  In the C2C model, all materials used in industrial or commercial processes fall into one of two categories: ‘technical’ or ‘biological’ nutrients. The ultimate goal is that these materials can be used over and over again instead of being ‘downcycled’ into lesser products, ultimately becoming waste. 

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FIT reveals
Awards finalists

FIT Show organisers have announced the finalists for its Awards ceremony as part of the Gala Dinner on Wednesday.

Shortlisted in the Best Creative FIT 2017 Marketing Campaign category are: AluK, REAL Aluminium (Customade), Epwin Window Systems and Camden Group. While the shortlist for Most Effective Use of Social and Digital Media are: AluK, Selecta Systems, Promac Group and KAT UK.

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ICO still pursuing
nuisance callers after record £400k fine

The Information Commissioner’s Office says it will ‘go on to tracking down companies that blight people’s lives with nuisance calls, texts and emails’ after fining a company a record £400,000 for making nearly 100 million nuisance calls over 18 months.

Keurboom Communications Ltd was issued the fine after more than 1,000 people complained about recorded – also known as automated – calls. Some people received repeat calls, sometimes on the same day and during unsociable hours. The company also hid its identity, making it harder for people to complain.

Read More Here...

We Have Email

Last week’s letter from Stewart Lamb, MD of VITA Hardware UK carried the incorrect link from our main page. With apologies to Stewart and all who tried to click through to the rest of the letter, here now is the correct link.

From: Stewart Lamb,
MD, VITA Hardware UK
& European CEO Schüring

I’ve read with interest the recent news stories about the rocketing price of zinc and the fact that suppliers are offering new and upgraded aluminium alternatives in order to stabilise costs. As a hardware manufacturer, material trends is an area we have keep a close eye on.

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