Fire alarm

While the Hackitt report, published this week in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, may not directly impact on the window and door industry as much as some other construction sectors, it has undoubtedly focussed the nation’s attention on the issue of fire safety in general. So it may or may not be coincidence that we have two such issues in the headlines this week: a call for lightweight roof manufacturers to issue fire spec for the entire system, not just its components Read Story, and a claimed ‘first’ with a 60-minute spec fire window Read Story, as well as a very challenging suggestion from the BWF’s Iain McIlwee. Read Story

Elsewhere, the news of Safestyle’s share plunge following its interim report this week has led some to whisper that it may not be the only national to be feeling the pinch at the moment, and things will only get bleaker for any that depend heavily on telecanvassing when next May’s expected TPS opt-in changes begin to bite. We will watch with interest. Read Story

Also this week, an installation highlighting the use of off-site construction (Read Story) was one of just a handful of such that we have reported in year gone. Is anyone taking bets on how many more times we will hear of this concept next year.

And, speaking of next year, we are now taking our two-week Christmas break after this issue so it only remains to wish one and all the best of the season and we hope to be with you again on January 9.

Meanwhile, do enjoy this week’s issue.

Chris Church Editor

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

This Week's News

Safestyle shares plunge after gloomy update

Shares in Safestyle dropped 19% to 155.50p following a Trading Update on Wednesday (Dec 13) reporting falling sales amid ‘weakening demand’ and increased cost of lead generation as well as forecasting further challenging market conditions in 2018.

Sales fell 0.3% in value and 6.8% lower by volume year on year in the quarter to November and the group says, with severe weather disrupting its planned installation programme this month, that Q4 sales will now be below its already reduced expectations.

Read More Here...

Synseal names two
for top posts

Synseal today announced two senior appointments in new roles with former profine/ Kömmerling sales and marketing head Kevin Warner who joins as Sales Director and former Eurocell production director Mark Timmins as Chief Operating Officer.

Kevin Warner, who will report to Group Sales and Marketing Director Andy Jones, said of his appointment: “Synseal’s product offering is second to none with further investments in the pipeline to develop this wide range even further. I’m looking forward to working with our national sales team and alongside Andy to take Synseal Group to the next level.”

Read More Here...

BWF calls for
Building Safety Fund
after Hackitt Report

Iain McIlwee, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation has called for the creation of a Building Safety Fund to ease the burden of replacement and repair costs to social housing bodies.

Read More Here...

Comp doors see modest growth, PVC-U steady, timber declining – Palmer

Composite doors have continued to show gradual growth in the year, mainly at the expense of timber, while PVC-U panels remained steady, according to the latest Palmer report.

Read More Here...

‘First’ claim for 60-minute fire window

Astraseal is claiming a first with the launch of a 60-minute rated, fixed fire window.

Read More Here...

Show whole system
fire spec’ – call

Ultraframe has issued a challenge to all solid roof manufacturers to publish their fire safety certification for the entire roof system - not just the components.

Read More Here...