Reaching 30 years in business is a milestone few companies achieve, but for Universal Trade Frames, the anniversary reflects how continuous investment and development have shaped the business it is today.

Founded in 1996, the Shropshire-based fabricator has grown from a 5,000ft² operation into a 30,000ft² manufacturing facility, supported by ongoing investment in machinery, systems and product development. According to Sales Director Richard Hammond, that consistency is what matters most.

Hurst explains how strategic investment in additional machinery and efficient manufacturing is safeguarding continuity of supply – ensuring its installer customers receive what they expect, when they expect it.

In a home improvement market where schedules are often tight, the knock-on effect of supply delays spells bad news for installers, with reputation, cashflow and customer confidence all at stake.

With this in mind, investment decisions at composite door and PVC-U panel manufacturer,

By Tim James, National Specification Manager, Veka

There was a time when window specification was largely a conversation about thermal performance, aesthetics and cost.

Today, that conversation is much broader.

As building performance expectations continue to evolve, windows and doors are increasingly expected to support multiple objectives simultaneously. Alongside energy efficiency,

3D Aluminium’s 22,000 sq ft factory in Oxfordshire has long been a showcase for Emmegi’s advanced machinery solutions, but it has had a significant boost recently with the installation of a brand new Emmegi Phantomatic X4 4-axis CNC machining centre.

The Eynsham-based commercial aluminium fabricator has trusted Emmegi’s proven performance for decades, so when it was looking to increase capacity and invest in more advanced CNC technology, the Emmegi brand was very much first choice, according to the company.

Solar shading specialist Caribbean has announced that Managing Director Stuart Dantzic has been elected Vice President of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), following formal ratification by members at the association’s recent AGM.

Stuart has been involved with the BBSA for almost two decades and, after stepping back from the managing committee when he took over the family business, returned to play an active role in supporting the sector. He is currently chair of the Promotions Working Group, which has recently helped guide the BBSA through a major rebrand.

Reliable supply and consistent service are becoming more important than ever for installers and fabricators across the industry.

With businesses working to tight schedules and high customer expectations, dependable lead times and clear communication can make a major difference to day-to-day operations.

Glazerite says reliability remains a key focus across every part of its business.

After 13 years, Howard Trotter is stepping down as business manager at Shelforce, leaving behind a thriving business, an award-winning culture and a legacy built on inclusion, opportunity and teamwork, says the company.

Howard has played a central role in transforming Shelforce, the Birmingham City Council-owned manufacturer and supplier of windows, doors and fire doors for local authority building projects and social housing, into an £8m-plus turnover business, with turnover expected to exceed £10m this year.

Purplex Marketing is preparing to brush up on the art of marketing at the Installer Show 2026, where the agency will swap the studio for the stand, putting creativity firmly in the frame.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 23-25 June, the UK’s event for the heat, water, air, energy and built environment sectors will provide the perfect space for Purplex to showcase why original thinking still matters in modern marketing.

With more than 40,000 professionals and over 1,000 exhibitors expected, the show offers a busy canvas for conversation...

With the ‘big retail names’ still a force to be reckoned with, window and door retailer Camel Glass explains how Emplas’ Snug lead generation initiative is combining the credibility and reach of a national consumer brand with the advantage of trusted local expertise and service – while generating welcome additional leads for the business. We report.

With strong brand awareness and a nationwide presence boosted by high-profile advertising campaigns, the UK’s largest window and door installation companies have grown to become household names.

Last month, technicians gathered at Architectural & Metal Systems (AMS) in Wallingstown, Co. Cork, for a hands-on Qualicoat Advanced Technician training session to refresh their knowledge on aluminium coating and defect identification.  As the Qualicoat specifications require all coaters to have at least one technician trained every two years, this session provided a vital local opportunity for Irish members to maintain the prestigious quality label.

Reflecting on the training event, Adam McCarthy, laboratory and installation manager for AMS, said: “It was a privilege to host...

Independent trade fabricator Modplan has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of its new composite door range.

Liam Isaac, head of sales and marketing at Modplan, said: “As a business, we’ve built our reputation on supplying products that our customers can install with complete confidence. When we decided to add composite doors to our portfolio, it was important that the product reflected the same levels of quality, performance and reliability that customers have come to expect from Modplan.”

Industry leader in window ancillaries, Window Widgets, will see a selection of its products installed on the illustrious Welborne Garden Village project.

Sash window specialists, Roseview Windows, will install more than 800 sash windows in phase one of the project, which will include a number of Window Widgets products, including trickle vent covers, Jacks, a VS variable aluminium baypole, as well as VS bay pole cover trims – all manufactured by Window Widgets.

The Mila Harbour Espag Handle, a premium stainless-steel window handle, has been shortlisted for a National Fenestration Award 2026 in recognition of its exceptional durability and security, says the company.

Designed for residential and commercial projects, the handle has been nominated in the ‘Window Component of the Year’ category of the awards, which were launched in 2013.

As part of Mila’s Harbour Collection, the Harbour Espag Window Handle is crafted from high-grade stainless steel...