Support for homeowners to make their homes warmer and cheaper to heat is welcome, but this short-term focus on single measures must be followed by a long-term comprehensive plan to retrofit all of the UK’s 28 million leaky and energy inefficient homes, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the announcement of ECO+ by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “I welcome any move to improve the UK’s leaky and draughty homes and making them cheaper to heat. ECO+ is a step in the right direction, targeting a much wider section of homes-owners, but it must not be considered ‘job done’ by the Government. 

Fensa has announced that all its members now have access to a range of digital marketing initiatives at a discounted rate, because of its partnership with industry online specialist, ICAAL.

“In an increasingly digital era, online marketing offers a crucial means of promotion and lead generation,” says Lis Clarke, operations director for Fensa and the BFRC, “but it can be daunting for those without much experience. We wanted to support members by partnering with a trusted expert in the field. We have worked with the team at ICAAL for a while now as they have supported members with their ambitious growth plans, but we wanted to up the ante and offer our entire membership reduced rates for ICAAL’s excellent services.”

The Ultraroof and Livinroof solid roof systems from Ultraframe have had their U-Values further enhanced ahead of changes to Building Regulation requirements in Wales and Scotland. Building Regulations are changing from 23rd November 2022 in Wales and 1st December 2022 in Scotland.

The changes mean that the U-Value requirement of solid roofs used for home improvements on existing dwellings in Wales will be improved to 0.13, and in Scotland the new requirement will be 0.12, says the company.

When a picture is worth a thousand words, how do you place value on a video? Or even a whole series of them? To better convey the ‘fantastic features’ and benefits of their product ranges, Ireland based manufacturer Apeer have released a collection of six clips to make the installer’s job of selling, easier.

Like miniature TED talks, each of the videos concisely describes the pros of Apeer and Silka products in under three minutes, with topics including security, glass, energy efficiency and colour options. Close up visuals of police approved integrated locking systems, glass manufacture and money saving A++ rated doors mean that homeowners looking to upgrade have a clear idea of what their new purchase will offer.

Following on from Maco’s dual announcements of their attendance at FIT Show in 2023 and the Maco Innovation Tour taking place in the weeks leading up to the industry’s leading exhibition, they have now announced a location of one of the stops that the Innovation Tour will be taking.

The Maco Innovation Tour sees Maco bring their solutions and innovations on the road in the truest sense of the word. Touring across Europe in a state of the art, carbon offset exhibition lorry, purpose built for Maco, the tour will reach the UK In May 2023.

With 5 exclusive events across the UK, the tour spans three weeks leading up to the FIT Show where the exhibition truck will depart to continue on its next stop as part of the European tour.

With a background in business leadership within the building and construction products sector, Stuart Stockley has been appointed as the managing director of post-consumer frame recycler Veka Recycling Ltd.

Stuart has a long history of heading manufacturing and merchanting operations for sector-leading brands, including wall and roofing components manufacturer Klöber Group, insulation distributors CCF and notably, as the head of sustainable products for the UK’s largest builders’ merchant, Travis Perkins.

With particular skills in manufacturing and distribution, business and brand development, Stuart has a personal and business commitment to the broader issues of sustainability and how these may be applied commercially.

The ultra-modern Avantal door from Endurance Doors has been voted as new product of the year in the 2022 National Fenestration Awards (NFA’s).

In 2022 there were 2,128 nominations in the NFA’s with 29,060 votes cast across 33 categories. In a year in when there were a number of notable product launches, this achievement for Endurance Doors represents the importance the new ultra-modern door will have in the composite door sector, says the company.

Avantal is based on the proven Endurance solid timber architecture and features a range of premium smooth foils to the exterior and a new satin white internal face and edge banding.

National UPVC window recycling company CNC Recycling says it is delighted to have been voted the winner of the Recycling Company of the Year for the second year running.

Sales director Ian Ward commented: “This award is recognition for all of our team who are so passionate about what we do; they made winning this award possible and it makes us very proud. This award is very special for us as it was voted for by our customers and suppliers working in the window and door industry and we are extremely grateful for their trust and support ”

Gloucestershire based company, The Residence Collection, is celebrating success after winning the Timber Alternative Company category at the National Fenestration Awards (NFA’s), retaining their title from the 2020 season. The Residence Collection also won this award in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

This year, 29,060 votes were cast, and winners were announced at an awards ceremony on the 5th November at Donnington Racecourse.

As a premium provider of timber alternative uPVC windows and doors, the brand offers a range of window and door styles across three timber alternative collections, R9, R7 and R2.

Following increased demand for luxury home improvement products, trade supplier Direct Trade Windows has added the Smart Alitherm Heritage range to its portfolio.

Using innovative polyamide thermal break technology, Alitherm Heritage profiles create a barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside, significantly reducing thermal transmittance and enhancing the overall U-value, while also meeting the exact Document L requirements, says Direct Trade Windows.

The company supplies Alitherm Heritage windows and doors, both of which are said to offer superb thermal efficiency.

Since its launch to market back in spring 2018, Regal Hardware has been a resounding success for UK hardware distributor Window Ware. The rise in popularity of flush sash windows has fuelled demand among fabricators and installers looking for authentic high-quality period style furniture to suit, says the company.

And it isn’t just the hardware that has proven popular. Window Ware has also had a surprise smash hit with its new Regal Hardware sample display boards.

Window Ware’s commercial director Richard Bryant commented: “We originally put the boards together to support our area sales managers whilst out on the road,

By Angus Mackie – Qualicoat UK & Ireland Chair

Following Qualicoat’s recent announcement that three new powder coating companies had completed inspections and been awarded licences from Qualicoat, this month sees a further new coating company joining the association with the granting of licence approval. Architectural Powder Coatings, (APC) based in Blaydon, Newcastle-upon-Tyne is a privately owned company specialising in the powder coating of all architectural aluminium components and systems.

Craig Johnson, director of APC comments: “At APC we have always strived to offer the best quality and service within the industry.