Ryan Johnson, Group Managing Director, Emplas explains why any business failure is bad for the industry.

The failure of any big window business inevitably draws comment. Safestyle and UKWG are two examples. Analysis has highlighted size, scale, and product offering. Safestyle, in particular, has drawn criticism from some for having too great a focus on ‘standard white PVC-U’.

They argue that this ‘narrow focus’ directly contributed to its downfall, a glaring failure on the part of the retail giant to recognise a shift in home improvement trends away from white product to foils,

Window and door fabricator and supplier TWC recently expanded into a new, larger factory to accommodate the company’s increased demand. Now, six weeks after the relocation, TWC is reporting significant successes as a result of the transition and is eager to share the tangible results of its substantial investments and dedication to development.

Launched in late 2022, TWC has already experienced significant levels of development, to the extent that it has required larger premises for its growing number of staff and operations. Despite having been in the new factory for just over a month, the team at TWC has already noticed a significant improvement in how the relocation has positively impacted the business.

A lively debate around the future of triple glazing was spearheaded by Bereco MD Nicola Harrison at an industry gathering in Birmingham.  Nicola was a panellist on the Installer debate at the 2023 Glazing Summit held on October 12 at Edgbaston Stadium.

During the debate, which centred on the challenges impacting the industry in the face of rising costs and market slowdown, conversation turned to triple glazing and whether it is an effective solution.

Several panellists argued that triple glazing is a hinderance, barely benefitting householders but Nicola disagreed.

Focusing on price and cost may limit your available opportunities, argues Bohle’s National Sales Manager Paul Miller.

There is a danger that if price becomes the only point of differentiation between you and your competitors, then you in effect narrow your horizon, according to Paul Miller, Bohle’s national sales manager.

“Price is critical – whether the price at which you buy, or the price at which you sell – I get it,” Paul says. “At the end of the day, we all need to make a profit, and cutting your top line and winning sales are both key to that.

Emplas is building further capacity in its Padiham IGU operation with the addition of a state-of-the-art Bottero cutting table.

Representing a major investment, the Bottero table significantly increases its float cutting capability in line with exponential growth in demand for IGUs in general and increasing demand for triple-glazing.

John Spiby, managing director Padiham Glass, explained: “We’re growing, so at its most basic, we have a requirement to increase our capacity.

Smart Architectural Aluminium has announced the launch of its new Alitherm 60 door system, the latest addition to the company’s Alitherm Heritage portfolio. Fully compliant with Document L of the Building Regulations, this new range of high-quality, high performance single and double doors provides an elegant solution for both new build and refurbishment projects, says the company.

The doors’ distinctive slim sightlines perfectly complement the existing Smart Alitherm window ranges, which together mimic the appearance of traditional steel window and door systems – while delivering all the performance benefits of a modern aluminium system.

Made for Trade achieved notable success at the National Fenestration Awards 2023, securing three industry accolades in October:

Winner – Conservatory Product of the Year – Korniche Roof Lantern, Made for Trade

Winner – Bi-Folding Door Manufacturer of the Year, Made for Trade

Winner – Aluminium Fabricator of the Year, Made for Trade

Despite a lack of luck at the Doncaster Racecourse on October 29th, Made for Trade’s significant wins not only showcase their business prowess but also emphasize their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.

Conservatory Outlet has invested a further £100,000 into its successful Training Academy.

Launched last year, Conservatory Outlet’s pioneering programme helps equip professionals from across its retail network with a mixture of specialist product knowledge and hard & soft skills to support a wider recruitment and levelling up strategy.

As part of the expansion, further courses have been created to focus on current market trends and conditions.

At the time of writing, over 80 retail sales professionals from within the Network had enrolled in the fully funded courses. 

DoorCo, manufacturer of composite doors, has announced the addition of industry-renowned Andy Grogan to their team.

Discussing the new appointment, sales and customer services manager at DoorCo, Michelle Kirkham explains: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have Andy joining us in the sales team. As a well-known industry name, we’re excited to welcome him back into the world of fenestration and help him get back into the swing of doing what he does best.

“We’ve invested heavily in our sales team recently with the addition of two internal promotions to sales executives,

Arched frame supplier Premier Arches has seen a record-breaking sales month, having sold over a quarter of a million pounds worth of arched and angled frames in October. This record sales month comes as the company has finished its 2022-2023 financial year with a 45% increase compared to the previous financial year.

Currently selling 650 arched frames per month, the St Helens-based company is an established supplier within the industry, all thanks to three core principles: manufacturing excellence, clear and honest customer service, and a ‘make life easier’ offering for customers.

Managing director Sean Greenall comments: “Our dedication to excellence extends beyond our products

Window Widgets has announced one of its universal load-bearing window products as an industry bestseller with fabricators and installers.

The manufacturer in glazing solutions for the fenestration industry, Window Widgets manufactures what is claimed to be the largest range of ‘reliable universal ancillaries’ for fabricators and installers across the UK, with Window Widgets’ Jacks proving popular with more than four million sales to date.

Recently shortlisted in the Window Component of the Year category in this year’s National Fenestration Awards,

BM Group company The Consultancy has created a bespoke website for Kömmerling USA in partnership with Iain McInnes from We Build Brands.

The new website reflects the fact that Kömmerling USA has a slightly different product focus to other Kömmerling regions, and incorporates an interactive product selector to help visitors select between PVC sheets, building products and windows and doors.

There is also a neat Find-A-Supplier plug-in to help them find their nearest fabricator or stockist and a very clear call to action in the form of a ‘request a quote’ button.

EnduranceDoors is marking the first anniversary of the opening of its dedicated consumer focused showroom.

Since its opening 12 months ago, the innovative form of sales support has enabled numerous Endurance installer partners to enjoy a 100% success rate in converting homeowner enquiries into actual orders, claims the company.

“Endurance Doors has always recognised that our relationship with our installer partners is symbiotic” explains Russell Hensman, group marketing manager at the business.

Window and door designer, The Residence Collection is celebrating after winning Timber Alternative Company of the Year at this year’s National Fenestration Awards.

This marks the sixth time that The Residence Collection has secured the award since the inception of the National Fenestration Awards in 2013.

This achievement underscores their versatile range of styles offered throughout three collections: R9, R7, R², which blend conventional values with contemporary techniques to thoughtfully enhance various types of properties.

Unique Window Systems, fabricator of PVCu and aluminium windows, doors, and curtain walling, has lent its support to this year’s DIY SOS The Big Build for Children in Need.

The business donated aluminium double doors to help construct a new children’s counselling and therapy centre at Treetops Hospice in Risley, Derbyshire.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, Treetops Hospice supports individuals and their families from across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire who are affected by life-limiting illness.