Clarification has finally been achieved on the Government’s Green Homes Grant Scheme today – providing the green light for the window and door market to get back moving again.

Government has confirmed that ‘primary’ measures for the grant will include insulation and carbon heat measures. Households will need to install at least one of these before they’re able to use the voucher on ‘secondary’ measures, which include windows and doors.

Homeowners will be able to replace single glazing with double or triple/secondary glazing, as well as upgrading to energy efficient doors.

The industry will continue to see high levels of demand through to the end of the year but should brace itself for tougher trading conditions at the start of 2021, according to commentators.

Held at the end of last month, panellists on a COVID-19 Emplas Roundtable, said that the boom seen in retail and new build had far exceeded their expectations.

While there was an expectation that high levels of demand would continue through to the end of this year, members of the forum warned of tougher trading conditions at the start of 2021.

Mila has launched its own range of Heritage espag handles, combining elegant styling with intelligent design and security features.

Available in both Monkey Tail and Pear Drop designs and in both left and right-handed options, the new handles are the perfect option for homeowners who want a traditionally styled sculptured, chamfered or flush sash window. They even come with a range of fully suited peg stays and faux butt hinges to complete the overall look.

The new Heritage handles were designed in-house by Mila’s experienced team, so combine lots of fabricator and installer-friendly features which make them easy to fit as well as easy to sell.

We are clearly in unprecedented times. However, the glass and glazing industry appears to be facing untold challenges when it comes to the supply of products. By that, I mean PVC and aluminium extrusions, hardware, reinforcement, glass and other ancillaries.

Anyone in the industry claiming otherwise simply isn’t telling the truth and headline claims by companies being x% up on last year don’t help the matter either. It’s a disruptive market with companies throughout the supply chain facing the operational challenges to deliver the work-in-progress, along with satisfying the unprecedented new consumer demand.

Leading trade fabricator, The Glazerite UK Group Ltd, has announced a board-level restructure as part of its ambitious plans for growth.  The move includes the appointment of Robert Brearley as Group Managing Director, with former Group MD Jason Thompson taking on the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer. It follows Group Chairman John Hewitt’s decision to take a step back from the business to focus more time on his recently founded suicide prevention charity, We Mind & Kelly Matters, in memory of his late daughter.

Jason Thompson says: “Glazerite has gone from strength to strength since John and I founded the business 20 years ago.

Epwin Window Systems’ marketing portal, Brand Hub 360, offers a comprehensive range of marketing assets to support its growing customer base. The range of marketing tools has recently been extended to help further support fabricators and installers and now includes a new range of corporate clothing, product posters and window vinyls.

Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager of Epwin Window Systems explains: “Our easy to use Brand Hub 360 gives our customers direct access to a vast range of high-quality marketing materials that covers all marketing touchpoints.

The company behind a ‘revolutionary’ double glazing pricing app is giving all installers a free two-month trial of the software.

As installers look to kickstart business after the Covid-19 lockdown, Virtape, a sister company of Leads 2 Trade, has decided to provide the trial of its Double Glazing App to help.

It allows prospective customers to download the app from the installers website onto their smartphone, use it to measure their windows and doors and select the colours and styles they want,

It is with great sadness that profine UK announces the passing away of Keith Vast at his home on Wednesday 29th July, following a prolonged period of ill health.

In April 2020, Keith retired from profine UK, yet he was largely responsible for the design and development of the KÖMMERLING 70 window and door system, which today remains a class leader in terms of performance, quality and design. Keith’s career with the business extended beyond 20 years in the technical department and he was very well respected by customers, suppliers and colleagues alike.

Door seal specialist Norseal says it has become the first company in Europe to develop a custom-made drop seal cutting machine. The machine will cut any drop seal to the exact size required, ready for next day delivery, without damaging it, and so keeping the fire, smoke and acoustic integrity of the door intact. Every door seal cut to size by Norseal with its new equipment comes with a one million cycle guarantee.

Norseal has developed the new cutting machine as part of its ongoing commitment to offer the best customer service proposition in the business.

Signature Windows has joined forces with trade fabricator Dekko Window Systems.

The Teignmouth-based installer has become the latest firm to offer Dekko’s premium product lines including the seamless Infinity uPVC collection and the high-end Räum aluminium range. With the help of Dekko, Signature Windows also offers customers the complete Residence Collection and the Solidor range of composite doors.

To showcase such a comprehensive range, Signature Windows has opened a ‘stunning’ new showroom in the coastal town.

Commercial installer, The Window Company (Contracts), is celebrating after landing a coveted RoSPA 2020 Health and Safety Award.

This was the first time the Chelmsford based business had entered RoSPA’s internationally recognised programme, and the team were thrilled to receive a Silver Award first time out.

The Award recognises The Window Company (Contracts)’ success in keeping staff and customers safe, with the assessors commenting on the ‘excellent monitoring and reviewing procedures’,

Emplas has committed to the appointment of eight new apprenticeships before the end of this year as part of its sustainable growth strategy.

The new posts, which include a mix of fabrication and customer services roles, are being created as part of the new Apprenticeships Standard, launched in August.

A member of the programme’s ‘Trailblazer’ scheme and delivered in partnership with industry and training providers, each post is built around a dedicated training programme specific to the job,

Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, has been specified for a state of the art hospital build in Breda, Holland.

Covering 128,000 square metres, the new ultra-modern Amphia Hospital was officially opened in November 2019. The design brief focused on creating a new world of medical care – aiming for increased one to one patient contact, shorter waiting times, the highest level of health care and a peaceful and comfortable environment.