Raise a glass

It is often said that glass is treated like the poor cousin of the industry, with as much innovation and technology going into it as any other major component yet little public perception beyond double or triple glazing. It comes as no surprise then that industry leaders want to do something about that, perhaps in the form of a specialist group to promote that technology and the choices it brings to the consumer Read more. Of course, the GGF among its many roles is shouting the praises of fenestration in all its parts and individual manufacturers are doing their bit in terms of their own ranges. But when every product category on the High Street seems to have its own sector marketing and lobbying group, perhaps this is an idea that might have legs.

Still on the matter of public perception, we hear that more than half of all UK construction employers are having trouble finding skilled tradesmen while, according to the FMB, they could be pulling down day rates that many white collar workers could only envy. No one needs telling that this issue is becoming more urgent as each day passes so we can only hope their message hits home soon. Read more

We hope there is something in this issue for everyone.

Chris Church Editor

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

This Week's News

Call for marketing
body to promote glass
to consumers

Glass industry leaders have heard a call for the formation of a marketing body to tackle the lack of awareness of the innovation that goes into modern glass and to take the message of its diversity straight to consumers.

The call came at the first of a planned series of round-table debates run by marketing agency Purplex, to address the challenges facing the industry.

“The reality for IGU manufacturers is they are producing better quality than ever before, but their products are often commoditised,” said account director Sam Cross after the debate.

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As you were’ as
Business Micros
acquires Consultancy
and Glazing Vault

Business Micros says it’s business as usual for both sides after its acquisition for an undisclosed sum of Echo Digital Media (EDM), better known by its brands The Consultancy and The Glazing Vault.

Graeme Bailey, Managing Director of Business Micros, says the investment in EDM will have long term benefits for both businesses, giving them the opportunity to share expertise and resources, as well as to develop new opportunities together.

He added: “EDM is already a really good business, with a great team and really exciting products, particularly in terms of its pricing and ordering portals. With Business Micros’ backing, we think it has the potential to be even better, and we will certainly be looking to invest further in both the team and the product range.

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CO tags consolidation
for record sales

Conservatory Outlet has posted sales of over £21million for 2019, the highest figure in the company’s history and 10% (£2million) above its 2018 figure.

The Wakefield-based fabricator at the centre of the UK-wide retail network attributes the growth to the directors’ policy decision to focus on refining and developing its product portfolio rather than seeking to grow the network with new members.

Part of this was the expansion of the ‘Extreme’ brand in July 2019, with the launch of the Extreme Solid Core Door as well as a new lightweight flat roof extension.

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Get a trade – earn £50k, FMB tells would-be apprentices

Tradespeople can earn more than £50,000 a year, according to new research published by the Federation of Master Builders to mark National Apprenticeship Week. 

Some tradespeople can command a day rate of up to £275 yet more than half of construction employers say they are struggling to hire joiners, plasterers and brickies, according to chief executive Brian Berry.

He said: “The good news is that there plenty of vacancies in construction for young people with a can-do attitude and a willingness to learn.

“There’s never been a better time to start an apprenticeship in construction. A trade apprenticeship not only offers the possibility of earning a good wage but provides an opportunity to set up your own business.

Read more