Digital (185) Glass News August 2026

When the market is growing, your mistakes are likely to be little ones, cushioned by a stream of inbound enquiries and new orders. But when the market is distressed, and you’re not expecting things to improve anytime soon, getting stuck and spotting trends too late to do much about them can be very damaging. You don’t want to be the last company in your area to see that the market is changing and you’re set up to supply yesterday's market. Missing trends costs more than you think, but spotting the future early can be your single biggest competitive advantage. This month, Glass News brings you Timber Market Intelligence – the last of three exclusive extracts from PROSPECTManager’s 2026 Window & Doors Market Trends Report, based on in-depth analysis of PROSPECTManager and Tommy Trinder data.

With thanks to George Barnsdale

THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS Issue 185 | August 2026

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IS !! TH NTH MO

Market research, plans, trends, and all that jazz. If your approach to market research is to keep an eye on competitors and copy what they do, your business could be at risk.

THE UK’S LEADING TRADE NEWSPAPER FOR WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

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TIMBER MARKET INTELLIGENCE 2026

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SOFTWARE & IT Mike Rigby

Today’s market is dynamic and ever changing. Perhaps not as dynamic and changeable as our economy and politics, with its 7th prime minister and government in the last ten years. But we live in fast changing, challenging times, and we need the sharpest tools and the best data to steer a safe and profitable course. This report will help you do that. Read the full report on page 24....

With thanks to Lindenwood Home

AUGUST 2026

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

A GLORIOUS SUMMER….OR IS IT? How interesting. “Technology works best alongside decades of human experience rather than in place of it.” That’s a quote from Charles Poon, the vice president of vehicle hardware engineering for the car giant Ford. Why is that significant? If you thought that artificial intelligence was the be all and end all and threatening your future employment, when a company the size of Ford, and one of the first to adopt AI across its engineering and manufacturing operations, recognises that people and experience are important, and so much so that they have rehired over 300 experienced engineers to help improve the reliability of their vehicles, it is time to take note. They admitted that they had relied too heavily on automation and the AI-driven checks failed to live up to expectations and the value of real people working alongside AI makes, not just sense, but is vital. In this day, and age, we are very quick to jump on the bandwagon of the next best thing and throw experience and knowledge gained through years of hard work, out of the window! We have become a nation of chancers but sometimes, like in the case of Ford, we’re big enough to say we were wrong and do something about it.

our summer activities! We’re about to get an unelected prime minister in the form of an MP who got just 25,000 votes from the people of a northern town: a man who is to take the reins of a country but has no mandate to govern. As I write this, we await Burnham’s ‘coronation’ even though there has been no interviews, articles or hints as to his aims and ambitions for our country. As has been said before, with the constant changing of prime ministers, of all political persuasions, the fitting of a revolving door in No 10 seems like a good idea. Anyone know a good door fabricator and fitter?

The corollary to this, of course, are the many reports on how to succeed in your work life. There has much been written about the ‘fors and againsts’ of university degrees versus apprenticeships and I must admit I fall into the group that believes that practical experience trumps cerebral learning. It’s tempting to encourage those setting out in life to look to the occupations that won’t be over influenced by technology and will always require the input of human interaction – the practical things like plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, fenestration of all kinds, and so on. The Government’s Essential Digital Skills Framework looks to be straightforward, but it is said that 54% of the UK workforce are missing basic digital skills, thus some one in every two UK workers cannot complete all 20 of the digital skills laid out in the framework. This is at a time when both digital literacy and AI literacy are listed in the skills employers are looking for in 2026. It is sounding like this contradicts Ford’s findings, but what I take from it is that artificial intelligence, while hugely clever and helpful in many ways, actually needs human input to ensure that the results given by AI are accurate and proven before we rely on them completely.

In amongst the many press releases we have received this month was one from the Glass and Glazing Federation which set my brain racing through the myriad of industry stalwarts with ‘the experience, credibility and passion to help influence the future of both the Federation and the wider glass and glazing industry.’ The GGF is seeking a candidate for the position of ViceFederation President for a period of two years before assuming the Presidency of the GGF. Without even conducting any research it is easy to come up with at least half a dozen individuals who would be perfect for the position. However, it takes me back to my days in local authorities when we would discuss the councillors and would often comment on the prominent and well liked people in the town who would make ideal councillors but, regrettably, those best qualified for the positions were too busy being successful in their own businesses and activities so, inevitably, it always seemed as if it was second string who wanted to become something in the town that were voted on simply because the better qualified had better things to do. I only hope that that won’t become the case with the appointing of the Vice-Federation President. The GGF needs and deserves the best personnel possible to take it forward for our industry.

This glorious summer reminds me so much of the summers we had back in the ‘50s when, it seemed, there was never a cloudy or cold summer’s day - I’m sure my memory is tricking me and perhaps we only remember the good things in life and conveniently stash away those rainy days to the back of our minds. Anyway, this glorious summer has benefitted the sporting occasions that have, usually, suffered with bad weather. Wimbledon, Cricket Test Matches, Grand Prix, Open Golf et al. What a shame that politics has to intervene with

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

Outgoing prime ministers or, indeed, governments, love to leave behind a little present for the incoming individual or party. In this case, and amid clamour to strengthen our abysmal defence systems, a £5 billion black hole in the defence budget has been bequeathed to Burnham. And, just to demonstrate the total incompetence of our government, in amongst presenting this ‘black hole’ of cash Burnham will have to find, what do they do? Ah yes. This is a good idea…we’ll spend £4.5 billion on cycle lanes. I can only think that we have a government that is both incompetent and suicidal.

July 2026 crossword solution:

CONTENTS 4 Women In Industry 6 BMBI 6 Trade News 24 Timber Report 26 What Door? 34 Case Study

‘TIME OUT’ WINNERS – JULY!

36 Marketing

Sudoku: Tina Lindley - Lindley Installations

38 Glass Lifting Solutions

Eye Spy: Rita Marshall - A1 Windows & Doors

41 Roofing Solutions

Spot the Difference: Gareth Bratt - Style & Design Buildings Crossword: Andrew Mason - Mason’s & Son Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!

40 Case Study 42 A Window Into Aluminium 44 Case Study 45 Hardware 50 Q&A: Andrew Scott 51 Case Study 52 Face To Face 53 Machinery 54 Software & IT

@GlassNewsmag

60 Awards 62 Cold Calling

@Glass News

@GlassNewsMag

63 Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration 64 Time Out! 65 Find A Supplier

CONTACT DETAILS Christina Lazenby Managing Director / Advertising Enquiries M: 07805 051322 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Chris Champion Editor / Editorial Enquiries M: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk Kate Carnall Graphic Design E: kate@glassnews.co.uk Deadline for copy: 16th of each month glassnews™ is a registered Trademark. The views contained herein are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, glassnews™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and therefore cannot take responsibility. The paper we use is 100% recycled. Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

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WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

INDUSTRY BACKS WOMEN IN FENESTRATION NETWORK FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY The Women in Fenestration Network (WFN) has launched with overwhelming support from across the fenestration industry following its inaugural Professional Development Day, held in Bristol on 25 June. More than 75 women from every corner of the country, representing every part of the fenestration supply chain, came together for a day of learning, networking and honest conversations, hearing from an inspiring line-up of speakers, including keynote speaker and former England Rugby Captain, Catherine Spencer. While the event marked the official launch of WFN, it also confirmed something much bigger. Women across the industry are looking for opportunities to connect, develop professionally and support one another throughout their careers. Ahead of the event WFN carried out its first Women in Fenestration Industry Survey to better understand the experiences, challenges and opportunities facing women working across the sector. The findings helped shape the programme for the day and highlighted confidence,

imposter syndrome, mentoring and career development as some of the key areas women wanted WFN to focus on.

development, mentoring, networking and shared experiences, while helping to build a stronger industry together."

Those themes became some of the most powerful conversations throughout the event, with delegates continuing discussions long after the final session had finished.

Sioned Yates, who is working in partnership with Sarah Ball to develop the long-term vision and growth of the Women in Fenestration Network, added: "One of the biggest highlights for me was seeing the conversations continue throughout the day. Despite falling on one of the hottest days of the year, people weren't rushing home. They were introducing each other, discussing future collaborations, talking about mentoring and already planning how they could stay involved."

Sarah Ball, Founder of the Women in Fenestration Network, said: "When I first shared the idea for WFN, I hoped it would resonate. I never imagined quite how many people would share the same passion for creating something that genuinely supports women across our industry. Seeing that vision become a reality has been incredibly special." "None of this would have happened without the support of our fantastic sponsors: Access Marketing, Aluminium Fire Systems, DoBetter Businesses, Emplas, FIT Show, Glass & Glazing Federation, Glass News and Fire Door Journal, REHAU, The Residence Collection and Yale, speakers and everyone who believed in what we're trying to achieve." "What made the day so special wasn't just the quality of the speakers. It was seeing women openly sharing their experiences, making new connections and leaving with greater confidence. It reinforced exactly why WFN was created." "This was never about delivering one successful event. It's about creating a community that supports women throughout their careers through professional

"We've also been overwhelmed by the support we've received from across the wider industry. Businesses have already signed up as Founding Corporate Members, individuals are joining as Founding Members and we've received so many messages asking how they can get involved." “What excites me most is where WFN goes next. The Professional Development Day was just the beginning. Together, we're building a community that will continue to support women through mentoring, networking, professional development and shared experiences, while working with our partners to help build a stronger fenestration industry for the future” The event also saw the official launch of the WFN Mentoring Programme, led by former Epwin Window Systems Managing Director Clare Bailey. With decades of industry experience and a passion for developing future talent, Clare will lead the mentoring programme as it supports women throughout their careers. The day also marked the launch of Founding Membership for both individuals and businesses.

already signing up as Founding Corporate Members, individuals becoming Founding Members and growing interest in the WFN Mentoring Programme. Looking ahead, WFN has already confirmed an exciting programme of activity for the remainder of 2026, including the launch of the WFN Podcast, a Building Our Skills training day, a Lunch & Learn networking event in London focusing on confidence and imposter syndrome, further networking events across the UK and the continued rollout of the mentoring programme. Founding Membership is now open for both individuals and organisations, giving members the opportunity to become part of a growing professional community focused on connection, collaboration and career development. Sarah Ball added: "This is only the beginning. Our ambition is to create a community where women can develop their careers, businesses can invest in their people and, together, we can help build a stronger fenestration industry for the future." The Professional Development Day may have been the beginning, but it is only the first chapter. With a growing membership, an expanding programme of events and a shared commitment to supporting women across the industry, WFN is building a community designed to inspire careers, create opportunities and help build a stronger fenestration industry together. For more information about the Women in Fenestration Network, upcoming events or becoming a Founding Member, visit: www.womeninfenestration.co.uk.

The response since the event has been equally encouraging, with businesses

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August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

BMBI BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

FLAT BUILDERS’ MERCHANT VALUE SALES IN MAY, BUT VOLUMES FELL -5.8% YEAR-ON-YEAR The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in July, shows May 2026’s total like-for-like value sales (adjusted to remove the effect of trading days) were essentially flat, -0.1% lower than May 2025. But like-for-like volume sales were down -5.8% year-onyear. With one less trading day in May 2026, year-on-year unadjusted value sales were -5.1% lower. Volumes were down -10.5% while prices increased +6.1%. By value, only two of the twelve categories sold more: Workwear & Safetywear (+7.5%) and Services (+3.3%). Of the 10 categories selling less, Renewables & Water Saving (-10.7%), Decorating (-6.8%), Ironmongery (-6.7%) and Heavy Building Materials (-6.4%) recorded the largest decreases. In the three months March to May 2026, like-for-like value sales were -1.6% lower than the same three months in 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -5.9% but prices increased +4.5%. With no difference in trading days, unadjusted value sales were also -1.6% lower, with volumes down -5.9% and prices up +4.5%. By value, five categories sold more, with Workwear & Safetywear (+5.8%) and Services (+5.8%) increasing the most. Of the two largest categories, Timber & Joinery Products (+0.2%) did better than Total Builders Merchants, while Heavy Building Materials (-3.3%) was the weakest category.

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In the 12 months from June 2025 to May 2026, like-forlike value sales were down -1.2% compared to the previous 12-month period (June 2024 to May 2025). With no difference in trading days, unadjusted value sales were also -1.2% lower, while volumes declined -3.2% and prices edged up +2.1%. By value, seven categories sold more, with Renewables & Water Saving (+10.4%) out in front. Of the two largest categories, Timber and Joinery Products grew +1.4% while Heavy Building Materials fell -3.4%. In the year to date (January to May 2026), like-for-like value sales were -2.1% lower than the first five months of 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -6.8% and prices were up +5.0%. With one less trading day in the most recent year, unadjusted value sales were down -3.1%. Volumes fell -7.7% and prices increased +5.0%. By value only three categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving (+9.6%) growing the most. Timber & Joinery Products (-0.2%) declined less than Total Builders Merchants, but Heavy Building Materials was down -5.6%, and the weakest category. Mike Rigby, Managing Director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “Builders’ Merchants’ sales are in the Doldrums: value sales are flat, prices up, volume down year on year while the Government sorts itself out. “The parallels with the Doldrums, a real place, are uncanny. It’s a low-pressure area near the Equator where the prevailing breeze can disappear, making it extremely difficult to navigate. It has a reputation for stranding ships for weeks on end, causing them to run out of supplies. It’s not just about stagnant calm winds. Weather patterns can also be erratic moving quickly to violent thunder and electric storms.

TOUGHGLAZE FIRST IGU MANUFACTURER IN THE WORLD TO OWN THE SPARKLIKE HANDHELD NOVATM Inagas, the official distributor of Sparklike products in the UK and Ireland, is thrilled to confirm that ToughGlaze, a leading supplier of commercial glass in the UK for over 30 years, is the first company in the world to purchase the Sparklike Handheld NOVATM. Winners of Glass Company of the Year at the 2024 G Awards, ToughGlaze is a well-respected name, synonymous with embracing innovation, which is why the most recently launched handheld gas concentration measuring device from Sparklike was the obvious choice to complement their production process.

“However, with Andy Burnham due to take over the reins as Prime Minister mid-July, could this be the reset the industry needs - a fresh opportunity to get Britain building again? “The new PM is saying, without fleshing out the detail, what the building industry wants to hear: a commitment to growth in every postcode; devolved powers over housing, infrastructure and regeneration projects; the biggest council house building programme since the postwar period. But we’ve been here before. Ex PM Starmer promised to build 1.5 million homes in five years, and that was just pie in the sky. And the major problems which have dogged that ambitious build programme have gone unresolved. We will have to wait for the ‘King of the North’ to get his feet under the table in Downing Street, to see whether he can translate his Manchesterism ideology to the national stage.”

“Ex PM Starmer promised to build 1.5 million homes in five years, and that was just pie in the sky.” Set up and run by MRA Research, the BMBI – a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation - is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from NiQ GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for 88% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is provided each quarter.

Kieran Stroker, National Sales Manager at ToughGlaze, comments: "Although a longstanding name in the glass processing arena, we’re relatively new to producing sealed units by comparison, so we’ve invested heavily in the latest machinery and software to ensure the process runs efficiently. We were already using a Handheld Sparklike device to monitor the gas concentration levels of our IGUs straight off the production line, as quality control is a key part of our process. We rely heavily on our software systems to keep track of where each piece of glass is within our factory at any given time. So, when we heard about the new NOVA and the brand-new functionality which offered bar code scanning, data logging and the ability to export the data, it provided a digital solution for something we’d been doing manually, so it was an obvious choice. "It’s really quick and easy for the operator to use. Using bar code labels that were already part of our production process, we scan and measure and can then download that data to align with that job number, to see exactly which units were checked during which hour of which shift on which day." www.inagas.co.uk www.toughglaze.com

May’s BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk.

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TIMBERLOOK TURNS 10: MILESTONES, MEMORIES AND WHAT’S NEXT As heritage uPVC brand Timberlook marks its tenth year, Amelia Gaughan, Head of Marketing for Affordable Windows Group, looks back at the brand's beginnings and shares what the future holds. When we launched Timberlook back in 2016, I do not think any of us truly knew what we were setting in motion. The idea was straightforward enough: to produce heritage-style uPVC windows and doors that could genuinely hold their own against the look of traditional timber. But what has followed over the last decade has surpassed anything we imagined at the time. Sitting here now, reflecting on the journey, I feel an enormous amount of pride in what this brand has become, and a genuine excitement about what is still to come.

BUILT TO KEEP UP WITH DEMAND If you want a measure of how far Timberlook has come, look at the manufacturing operation behind it. We started with one small corner of the factory dedicated to Timberlook production; we now run three Timberlook production lines, supported by three Supercut saws committed solely to flush window manufacturing.

team who make it their business to get orders to installers on time, every time. To put the scale of that into perspective, our fleet delivers around £1,000,000 worth of goods every single week. That figure still surprises me when I say it out loud. Since Timberlook’s beginning, the brand has been constantly evolving. The range looks quite different today compared to where it started, and that is largely down to the installers who fit our products and tell us what they need. When feedback pointed us towards creating a cohesive suite of products, we developed our Timberlook flush door in-house. Offered as a single or French door option, we further improved this system by adding a deep rail for the top and bottom of the door side panels when coupled with doors. This resulted in the glass having equal sightlines – it’s a small detail, but it makes a real difference to the finished appearance. More recently, we’ve added a mechanical midrail section to our doors for a more authentic finish. We have also broadened our colour range in response to what the market is asking for. Several years ago, we spotted the demand among homeowners for soft, light heritage tones. In response, we launched our Painswick and Pebble Grey shades which have now incidentally become two of our most popular options. A few months ago, we also introduced Ulti-Matt Black, a smooth black finish now available across our full suite of products. This new shade has made it easier for installers offering Timberlook to homeowners in love with the steel aesthetic.

Recognising the need to make sure our logistics can keep up with demand, we have also steadily grown our fleet of delivery vehicles, adding 32 vehicles across 2025 and 2026, with eight new vehicles and 16 demountable boxes among the most recent additions.

This leads nicely on to perhaps the biggest change to Timberlook in recent years – the introduction of Decorio, Timberlook’s sophisticated steel-look sister.

Our wider AWG fleet now stands at 64 vehicles, backed by a 50-strong transport

2025 saw us take an exciting step forward with the launch of Decorio, a steel-look

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2025: A BIG YEAR

aluminium range developed to give our installers another way to meet growing demand for heritage aesthetics. Inspired by art-deco and industrial design, Decorio complements Timberlook beautifully, giving installers the ability to offer customers a choice of heritage styles while dealing with just one supplier. Another huge highlight was when we took Timberlook and Decorio to the FIT Show for the very first time, and I have to say, it was brilliant. There is something about meeting people face to face that no amount of emails or phone calls can replicate. We don’t have reps on the road, so having the chance to put faces to names and chat through what installers are working on was incredibly valuable.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BRAND I could talk about products and investment all day, but honestly, the thing that makes AWG and Timberlook what they are is the people. We are a family business in a very real sense. AWG is home to multiple generations of the same families, with mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and more all working side by side every single day. It creates a warmth and a loyalty within the business that I genuinely believe you can feel when you deal with us. When you have that kind of loyalty and history running through a business, it shapes everything, including how we treat the installers we work with. When you call

Amelia Gaughan - Timberlook - Head of Marketing

AWG, you are not passed around or starting from scratch with someone new. You speak to people who know you, who remember your last order, and who genuinely want to help. That personal touch is something we work hard to protect as we grow.

LOOKING AHEAD TO A BRIGHT FUTURE Timberlook may be turning ten, but as far as I’m concerned, we’re just getting started. We are also working on bringing Decorio into Tommy Trinder's Framepoint™ quoting technology, which will give installers the same fast, photo-realistic quoting experience for aluminium that they already enjoy for Timberlook. But more than any specific product launch or event, what I want for the next chapter of Timberlook is simple: to keep listening, keep improving, and keep giving our installers the tools and the products they need to win more work. The heritage market is growing, and we intend to continue growing right alongside it. For more information, email sales@timberlook.com or visit Timberlook.com.

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LINIAR STRENGTHENS NEW BUILD AND SOCIAL HOUSING TEAM WITH APPOINTMENT OF TWO KEY TEAM MEMBERS: MARTIN BENN AND STUART NELSON Quanex company Liniar, the UK’s leading PVCu systems company, is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Benn as Sales Director New Build & Social Housing, and Stuart Nelson as Commercial Manager New Build & Social Housing, both joined the business on 13th July 2026.

Their decision to join Liniar reflects both the strength of the company’s growth ambitions and the significant opportunities that exist within the new build and social housing markets. Commenting on the appointments, Nigel Bishop, Vice President of Sales at Liniar, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Martin and Stuart to the Liniar team. Their reputation within the industry speaks for itself. Over the past two decades they have consistently demonstrated an unrivalled understanding of the new build sector and have been instrumental

Martin and Stuart bring with them an exceptional level of experience, having collectively spent more than 50 years within the industry, where they have played pivotal roles in establishing and developing one of the most successful new build sales operations in the UK fenestration sector. Throughout their careers, Martin and Stuart have worked at the forefront of the new build market, building long-standing relationships with national and regional housebuilders, driving specification success, and helping to secure significant market share across the sector.

Signature Custom Matching Sidelights and Toplights for Composite Doors

in shaping one of the strongest market propositions in the industry. “As we continue to invest in our future growth strategy, particularly within new build, social housing and green retrofit markets, the addition of Martin and Stuart significantly strengthens our capability. Their experience, customer relationships and market knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence and support customers across the UK.” Martin Benn added: “After 25 fantastic years with Eurocell, the decision to move on was

not taken lightly. However, the opportunity to join Liniar at such an exciting stage of its development was one that Stuart and I felt we simply couldn’t ignore. “Liniar has established itself as one of the most innovative and ambitious businesses in the sector. The investment being made in products, people and future growth plans presents a tremendous opportunity, and I am excited to be part of the next chapter.” Stuart Nelson commented: “Liniar’s vision for growth within the new build and social housing sectors is incredibly compelling. The business has a clear strategy, a strong leadership team and a reputation for innovation that is recognised throughout the industry. “I am looking forward to working alongside Martin and the wider Liniar team to help customers unlock new opportunities and support the company’s continued expansion.” The appointments form part of Liniar’s wider growth strategy and reinforce the company’s commitment to investing in market-leading talent, strengthening customer partnerships, and increasing its presence across key sectors of the UK construction industry. For more information email: commercial@liniar.co.uk.

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www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PYROGUARD DELIVERS KÖMMERLING OFFERS BUILT-IN FIRE SAFETY GLAZING FOR FLEXIBILITY FOR TRIPLES LANDMARK EINDHOVEN In the context of changing consumer expectations for REDEVELOPMENT windows and doors, which

Pyroguard, a leading independent provider of fire safety glass, has delivered a comprehensive fire safety glazing solution as part of the major redevelopment of the TX Building at Strijp-T in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

Originally constructed in 1929 for Philips and recognised as one of Eindhoven’s most significant industrial landmarks, the TX Building has undergone an extensive transformation to create 56,000 m² of contemporary workspace for high-tech businesses. The redevelopment combines the preservation of the building’s historic character with modern standards for safety, performance and occupant wellbeing. A key challenge for the project team was creating open, light-filled interiors while meeting stringent fire safety requirements across multiple occupancies. To achieve this, Pyroguard supplied more than 2,000 m² of fire safety glass through glazing specialist Glasdesign for use in internal partitions, stairways, escape routes and fire compartmentation zones throughout the building. The design vision centred on maximising daylight and visual connectivity within the vast industrial structure, while ensuring safe evacuation in the event of a fire. To support this objective, Pyroguard Protect T-EW30/13-1 and T-EW60/13-1 were specified throughout the development. The toughened fire safety glass provides reliable fire integrity and radiant heat control while maintaining high levels of transparency, helping preserve the open character of the refurbished building. The specification also achieves a 1B1 impact classification and offers strong acoustic performance and UV stability, contributing to a safe and comfortable environment for occupants. All glazing was installed within timber framing systems, allowing the project team to retain and enhance the building’s authentic industrial aesthetic. To support the use of fire-resistant glazing within the timber framing systems, an overall assessment was undertaken by fire safety consultancy Peutz. This validated the proposed installation approach,

continue to place increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, Kömmerling is pleased to offer its customers a solution with flexibility for double and triple glazing, built in.

including the use of pinned glazing beads, ensuring the system met the required fire performance criteria. For areas requiring enhanced fire protection, Pyroguard Protect T-EI30/182 and T-EI60/25-3 were used to provide integrity and insulation performance. In addition to acting as a barrier against flames and smoke, the glazing helps limit heat transfer, supporting compartmentation strategies and helping to maintain safer escape routes in the event of a fire. Stefan van Gerven, Benelux Sales Director at Pyroguard, said: “The TX Building is an important part of Eindhoven’s industrial heritage and its transformation represents a significant investment in the city’s future as a centre for technology and innovation. Our role was to help create safe, compliant and visually open spaces that respect the character of the original building while meeting the performance expectations of a modern multi-occupancy workplace.” Sander Pieters, CEO at Glasdesign, says: “This was a technically demanding project that required a glazing solution capable of meeting stringent performance requirements while respecting the architectural vision for the building. Pyroguard’s broad product range, technical expertise and collaborative approach helped us deliver a solution that balanced safety, transparency and the preservation of the building’s historic character.” The redevelopment has carefully retained the building’s distinctive architectural identity while significantly improving its performance and functionality. Alongside the refurbishment of the existing structure, three new five-storey office towers have been constructed above the original hall and connected by a full-length access walkway. The result is a landmark destination for technology-led businesses that honours nearly a century of industrial history while providing a safe, modern environment for future generations of occupiers. For more information about Pyroguard, please visit www.pyroguard.eu

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Gareth Parton, Kömmerling Sales and Marketing Director, explains: “There has been so much speculation about the future of triple glazing over the years, but the truth is no one really knows what will happen next. What we do know is that energy efficiency continues to climb the list of priorities for consumers, and they are more determined to protect themselves from future fuel price fluctuations with high performance glazing. This means more people will be looking at triple glazing, but that is not to say that demand will shift overnight. That is why we have designed flexibility into our Kömmerling 76 system. “The Kömmerling 76 system is an established range of products that have undergone extensive research and development to consistently improve performance. They cater for double glazing and triple glazing or special functional glass in thicknesses up to 48mm where required, because the system’s overall window design means it is more balanced with better load distribution. “Each aspect of the Kömmerling 76 system has been carefully designed with energy saving in mind, including the profile’s heat insulating properties, optional centre seal gasket, the insulating glass with edge sealant, and the wall fixings.

Gareth Parton

“Installers always need support from their suppliers, but while they are working harder than ever to generate and convert much coveted leads, they need suppliers that can take the initiative and invest in technically better products that offer flexibility.” Sash range comes with heritage features including butt hinges and a dedicated face fix Georgian bar. An optional centre seal gives the Flush Sash option outstanding performance credentials against 70mm systems in the same style and elevates installers above the competition. “Installers always need support from their suppliers, but while they are working harder than ever to generate and convert much coveted leads, they need suppliers that can take the initiative and invest in technically better products that offer flexibility. We are already designing and improving products that we know are ahead of tomorrow’s trends so that our installers can say yes to every project with confidence, today.”

“In addition to its energy saving properties, the Kömmerling 76 system offers improved noise attenuation thanks to its innovative profile sealing technology, as well as the flexibility it offers in its ability to house sound insulating double or triple glazing. Its clever six chamber design and engineered features also make it ideal for large openings and big expanses of glass.” Gareth continues: “The Kömmerling 76 system is available in casement and flush sash styles as well as tilt and turn, to suit all design choices. The casement option can achieve a U-Value of 1.2W/m2K in a double-glazed window and 0.78 W/m2K in a triple glazed window. The Kömmerling 76 tilt and turn window meanwhile utilises several cutting-edge technologies, including re-engineered profiles for Passive House applications and the pioneering poCoverTec surface finish. And the Kömmerling Flush

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FENTRADE’S NEW FACTORY & SHOWROOM UNVEILING – SAVE THE DATE!

40 YEARS OF VEKA UK – AND A REMINDER OF WHY QUALITY MATTERS As VEKA UK celebrates 40 years in the UK in 2026, a recent enquiry from a homeowner offered a reminder of the lasting impact of quality window systems. The homeowner got in touch after discovering original installation paperwork showing the PVCu windows in their property were fitted on 29 November 1979.

With an investment programme of over £500,000 since the purchase of new premises earlier this year, independent trade fabricator Fentrade Limited is now gearing up for a full factory and showroom unveiling on Thursday the 27th of August. The purchase of the new premises was completed in February, and since that time the team at Fentrade have been working hard to transform the building into a modern production facility that will allow the established trade supplier to further improve its productivity and continue their long-term growth plans. “We’re excited to see the how the building has changed from it’s original use to this now very modern production facility, which further benefits from a dedicated trade showroom for our sales team and our customers to use”, comments Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s Managing Director. “It’s a great pleasure to be announcing our open day for new and existing customers and industry colleagues to come and see the facilities for themselves and see how far we have come as a business in the eight years since we were established.” Guests will be able to meet the expanding operational and sales team, view the new showroom facilities and have a guided tour of the factory to see products being

manufactured including seeing how the newly introduced Elumatec SBZ145 machining centre is enhancing the whole process. “Having the showroom facility encompassing the full range of our products will enable us to further promote these to our customers, and more importantly it will be a great asset for our trade customers to use as their showroom in their own sales process”, continues Chris. “We’re delighted to be throwing open our doors on the 27th of August and welcoming in everyone to see everything for themselves and to share in our journey going forward”. With invitations being sent out shortly you can register interest in attending the Fentrade Open Day on the 27th of August in advance by emailing the team on sales@ fentrade.co.uk with your name and contact details and full details will be sent by return. Established in 2018, Fentrade Limited manufactures and supplies high-quality aluminium frames for trade, retail and commercial installers and contractors. Products are delivered across Wales, the West Country, the Midlands and the North and produced from industry-leading systems such as Aluk, Kestrel and Jack Aluminium. www.fentrade.co.uk

Having moved into the house four years ago, they had no idea of the windows' history until uncovering the documents while sorting through paperwork. Located in an exposed area subject to significant wind and weather, the property still retains the original frames today, with only the glass units having been replaced in 2011. What makes the story particularly interesting is that the homeowner wasn't looking to replace the windows. Instead, they contacted VEKA to ask whether there was a way to adjust the windows to reduce draughts that had become noticeable during winter. For an industry often focused on the next installation, it's a useful reminder that windows are among the few products fabricators and installers manufacture and fit that can remain part of a home for decades. Since VEKA established its UK operation in 1986, the industry has undergone significant change. Thermal performance standards have evolved, security requirements have increased and manufacturing technologies have advanced considerably. Yet one thing has remained constant: the importance of quality.

That is why quality remains at the heart of VEKA's approach. Through rigorous product testing, controlled manufacturing processes and ongoing support for fabrication and installation partners, the focus remains on delivering systems designed to meet the demands of modern homes and modern homeowners. The enquiry also arrives at a time when discussions around whole-life value are becoming increasingly important. While the industry rightly focuses on innovation and future performance, stories like this demonstrate the long-term relationship homeowners have with their windows and doors. As VEKA marks its 40th anniversary in the UK, the homeowner's discovery provides a connection between the company's history and the industry's future. More than four decades after those windows were installed, they are still part of the conversation. And for fabricators and installers, that may be the strongest reminder of all: quality doesn't stop at installation day.

For fabricators, quality starts with the system itself. For installers, it continues through every stage of fabrication, specification and installation. Ultimately, homeowners rarely remember the profile name, the hardware specification or the glazing package. What they do remember is whether their windows continue to perform year after year.

80 YEARS OF RENOLIT. RELY ON IT. SINCE 1946. This year, RENOLIT is celebrating its 80th anniversary and are looking back with pride on their long and successful history as a company. Since 1946, RENOLIT have been renowned for its expertise in high-quality polymer solutions. As a reliable partner, RENOLIT is committed to helping customers achieve their goals. You can rely on them, just as you could back then.

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Their long-standing experience and commitment to everyone they work with form the basis on which they proactively address today’s challenges. RENOLIT recognise that the current global market conditions impose unique challenges on everyone. Regardless of these circumstances, RENOLIT is committed to ensuring your planning security and success through their flexible solutions and innovative products. RENOLIT would like to thank every customer and partner for their trust and valuable contribution to their shared

journey. These partnerships are the foundation of their ongoing commitment to innovation and providing you with products and solutions you need.

THE COMPANY

employees are constantly and responsibly developing the expertise gained from 80 years of company history. In doing so, they are contributing to a sustainable world with innovative and resource-saving solutions. www.renolit.com

The RENOLIT Group is an internationally active expert in high-quality films, sheets and other polymer products. With more than 30 production sites and sales units worldwide and a turnover of 1.191 billion euros in 2025, the company, headquartered in Worms, is one of the world’s leading plastics processors. Around 5,000

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

A GREAT SASH WINDOW IS MORE THAN A SUM OF ITS PARTS True authenticity comes from a blend of heritage styling and modern performance.

Single features may grab attention, but a true heritage sash window is designed to ensure the seamless integration of all its parts. Everything has to work together: slim overlapping putty-line profiles, a 35mm midrail, heritage chalk finishes, seamless ornate sash horns, true mechanical joints, deep cills and innovative balance chamber covers, to name but a few. Add to that a 1.2 W/m2k u-value without specialist glass, and you have a true conservation-grade sash window with outstanding modern performance.

Only Roseview’s Ultimate Rose sash window delivers all this. Because it’s more than a sum of its parts.

01234 712657 trade@roseview.co.uk www.roseview.co.uk #TraditionRedefined

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MACO UK CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UK WINDOW AND DOOR INDUSTRY Few names have been as closely associated with the development of window and door hardware in the UK as MACO. As the company celebrates its 40th anniversary, Glass News looks back at the innovations, partnerships and customer support that have helped shape its journey – and ahead to what the next chapter has in store. MACO UK is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of supporting the UK window and door industry with high‑performance hardware solutions, technical expertise, and long‑standing partnerships. Founded in 1986, the first MACO UK office and warehouse was located in Dartford before relocating to the marketleading sales, distribution, and innovation centre in Sittingbourne in 2000, where it continues to operate today.

fabricators and installers to expand their offering with smart, connected hardware solutions, meeting the growing demand for intelligent homes. Kevin Whiting, Managing Director of MACO UK, commented: “Reaching 40 years in the UK is a proud milestone, and one I’m pleased to have played my part in more recently. It reflects the strength of our partnerships, the commitment of our team and a shared focus on innovation. We’re proud of what’s been achieved and excited about what comes next.” MACO UK marked the anniversary with a celebratory event on 1 July 2026.. Following this, the company will share customer stories, staff reflections, and host a series of customer-focused activities throughout the year. As it looks ahead, MACO UK remains focused on supporting the next chapter of the industry, with continued innovation including developments such as Multi Matic IQ.

“Reaching 40 years in the UK is a proud milestone, and one I’m pleased to have played my part in more recently. It reflects the strength of our partnerships, the commitment of our team and a shared focus on innovation. We’re proud of what’s been achieved and excited about what comes next.” Congratulations to everyone at MACO UK on reaching this impressive milestone. Four decades of innovation and collaboration is no small achievement, and we look forward to seeing how the business continues to support fabricators, installers and the wider industry in the years ahead.

Over the past 40 years, MACO UK has played a key role in the development of window and door hardware. Early innovations such as offset and inline mushroom espagnolette systems and the MKI Shootbolt set new standards for security and ease of fabrication. This foundation has been built on over time with solutions including intelligent security cams, telescopic shootbolt systems and advanced surface coating technologies. The latest evolution of the MACO espagnolette platform marks the next generation of espagnolette design, developed to meet the changing needs of modern fabrication and installation, and reflects MACO’s ongoing focus on practical innovation that supports customers in a competitive market. Alongside product development, MACO UK has continued to invest in supporting its customers and the wider supply chain. The MACO Partner Portal provides fabricators and installers with easy access to the company’s e-catalogue and latest updates, helping streamline day-to-day operations. Meanwhile, the MACO Secure Plus scheme has been developed to give homeowners added confidence, offering a 10-year guarantee and financial contribution towards replacement in the event of a break-in for registered installations. Complementing this, Sense by MACO enables

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August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DEFINING EXCELLENCE, ONE TEST AT A TIME Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, attended the opening of the ASSA ABLOY Test Centre for Security and Performance at Daventry, joining a gathering of trade press, trade bodies and certification scheme providers who were shown around the facility and experienced the various testing procedures in action. A glorious summer’s day saw the ASSA ABLOY Test Centre, based at Daventry, now open to all. Representing a very substantial investment which, I’m reliably informed, was into ‘seven figures’ has produced a state-of-the-art facility that delivers UKAS accredited security and performance testing for doors, windows and hardware - designed to help manufacturers and fabricators achieve accreditation faster and with confidence. I’m quoting here from Straff Cooke’s LinkedIn notification that succinctly explains the advantages this

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“From PAS 24 enhanced security testing and Approved Document Q guidance, through to weather performance, corrosion resistance, operational forces and mechanical endurance, the Test Centre supports compliance with key UK and European standards including PAS 24, BS EN 6375, BS EN 1935, BS EN 1670 and BS EN 12217/12219. “Combining modernised test rigs, automated systems and specialist technical expertise, we also offer bespoke and innovation

“Combining modernised test rigs, automated systems and specialist technical expertise, we also offer bespoke and innovation led testing to support product development, optimisation and market readiness.”

Showing a variety of hardware longevity tests

Attacking a handle and lock cylinder

testing centre offers.

Weather testing for a window

Soft body impact testing

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Gathering at the Assa Abloy Test Centre

Invitees are shown the facilities

led testing to support product development, optimisation and market readiness - all through a seamless, customer focused experience from booking to accreditation. “A new benchmark for reliability, accuracy and industry support - right here in the UK.” The ASSA ABLOY team gave the visitors to the centre a guided tour through the various tests that can be accomplished from testing of hardware for reliability, resilience testing of handles and locks against attack to impact testing of windows and doors as well as weather testing, Corrosion and temperature testing is also available and, in fact, the full gamut of testing is available leading to

Showing the hinge long term test

Handles under long term testing

Introducing the method of attacking a door handle in testing

accreditation where it is required. Importantly, although the ASSA ABLOY name is above the door, this is a completely independent centre where unbiased testing is undertaken giving assurance to all, including customers and suppliers. Every project is handled with the highest level of discretion protecting designs, performance insights and competitive advantages at every stage. This means that whether there is a need to verify performance or enhance credibility, the testing offered by the centre is dependable, impartial and engineered to support success. It was interesting listening to Straff Cooke explaining how it was not unusual

Testing the resilience of a padlock

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

Strafford Cooke introduces the testing team and the scope of testing

for him to be banned from an area where testing was taking place to ensure confidentiality for the customer and the product. Independence is paramount in giving the assurance to the customer that the highest standards of confidentiality are maintained. ASSA ABLOY is also proud of

the system that has been adopted to make the whole testing experience both easy and stress free. On site parking and even vehicle charging facilities, complimentary lunch and refreshments throughout the day, test reports and certificates within two weeks following the submission of Declaration

Testing the strength of a padlock hasp

of Components, viewing areas and protective screens for comfort and safety plus meeting rooms for training, reviews and presentations. All this and conveniently placed for the motorway system at Daventry. There is also a customer-focused booking experience to make life easier when testing and accreditation is required. This is a UKAS accredited centre for ISO 17025:2017 and UKAS assesses the testing, , inspection, calibration and verification services and exists to ensure these services consistently meet the recognised national and international standards for competence, impartiality and performance.

AND WHAT SERVICES CAN ASSA ABLOY’S TEST CENTRE COVER? It provides the following: Security Testing • PAS 24: Enhanced Security • TS 007 Pat 1: Door Cylinder Security Testing • BS3621: Drill Attack for Mortice Cylinders and Rim Locks

Durability Testing • BS EN 1303: Door Cylinder’s Fit for Purpose • BS EN 1935: Durability for Hinges • BS EN 1906: Load Test for Handles • BS 1191: Durability Test for Windows • EN 12209: Durability Test for Padlocks and Snib Test for Rim Locks Weather Testing • BS EN 1670: Corrosion Resistance • BS 6375 – 1,2 and 3: Weather Testing Approved Document Q • New Build Standard The experienced team of engineers can provide guidance on test programme design. In addition the ASSA ABLOY Technical team can help identify and resolve any potential issues during customer factory visits prior to testing to minimise delays and ensure product readiness, guiding customers through the regulatory landscape and verify that the products meet all national and global requirements, supporting smooth approvals and market access.

Explaining the various tests

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MADE FOR TRADE ANNOUNCES MAJOR INVESTMENT New 100,496 sq ft Northampton production, distribution and showroom facility. Made for Trade has announced a major expansion of its UK operations with the addition of Dimensions House, a 110,496 sq ft facility in Northampton that will become a key production, distribution and showroom site for the business. The site investment is complemented by another significant investment in Schirmer machinery to improve the quality of already industry leading production. The new premises will support Made for Trade’s continued growth by increasing production capacity, improving distribution efficiency and strengthening service levels for customers across the UK. Dimensions House has been selected as a strategically important location for the business. With a significant proportion of Made for Trade’s customer base located outside its North East manufacturing base, the Northampton site will allow the company to operate a more efficient national distribution model, with larger trunking runs into the hub and smaller, more frequent delivery routes from the site. This hub-and-spoke approach will improve delivery efficiency, reduce pressure on existing operations and support a faster, more responsive service for trade customers.

MIDLANDS SHOWROOM The facility will also include a dedicated showroom, which will be used to onboard new accounts and introduce customers to the company’s expanding product range. The showroom will also be available for Made for Trade customers to use when presenting Korniche products to their own end users, giving trade partners a professional environment in which to demonstrate the quality, design and performance of the range.

EXPANDED ALUMINIUM RANGE Dimensions House will play a central role in Made for Trade’s future product strategy. The site is planned to become the production facility for the upcoming Korniche Window, an all-aluminium product designed to redefine the UK aluminium window sector through innovation, installation simplicity, strong thermal performance, competitive pricing, high stock availability and short lead times. The Korniche Window will further expand the Made for Trade product range and support the company’s ambition to offer trade customers a one-supplier solution across aluminium glazing products. By broadening the range, Made for Trade aims to help customers simplify purchasing, improve consistency and access more of the products they need from a single trusted supplier. The investment follows a series of recent additions to the Korniche range. The

company’s Internal Glass Partition system is now available in custom colours at highly competitive prices. A new entry door based around the award winning Korniche bifolding door system will be launching in August. Aluminium finishing trims are now available as perfect colour matches to ensure the best finish for installations. Textured Black is also now available from stock for sliders and bi-folding doors, offering customers a premium finish with short lead times and without premium pricing.

CONTINUED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Once the fit-out is complete, Made for Trade’s Flat Glass and Flatlite production lines will also move to the Northampton facility, freeing up much-needed space across the company’s North East sites for further product launches as the business continues to invest in its products and manufacturing capability – Watch this Space. Chris Wann, Director at Made for Trade, said: “Dimensions House is a major step forward for Made for Trade. It gives us the space, location and operational flexibility we need to improve capacity and service levels for our customers, while also supporting the next stage of growth for the Korniche product range. “Our customer base is national, and this site helps us serve that market more efficiently. By using Northampton as a distribution hub, we can improve how we move products around the country and support customers with more frequent, responsive delivery routes.

KORNICHE BRAND GROWTH The expansion also reflects the continued growth of the Korniche brand, which has become increasingly recognised by homeowners as a premium aluminium glazing name. Through sustained brand promotion, consumer marketing and national exhibition activity, Made for Trade is helping to create demand that directly supports its trade customers. Mike Robinson, Head of Sales at Made for Trade, said: “The promotion of the Korniche brand is delivering real value for our customers. We are building a premium brand that homeowners recognise and ask for, but we are doing it at a price point that allows our trade customers to remain competitive and win work. “That balance is very important to us. Korniche is not just about product innovation; it is about giving customers a stronger brand, better sales tools and a more compelling offer for their own end users.” Customers can experience the latest Korniche innovations first-hand at the remaining 2026 Homebuilding & Renovating Shows Made for Trade will be exhibiting at: • London eXcel, 18–20 September 2026 • Harrogate Convention Centre, 30 October–1 November 2026 Full event details are available via the Made for Trade website and across Made for Trade’s social media channels.

“The upcoming Korniche Window is another key part of our strategy. It expands our range and takes us closer to a one-supplier model, giving customers access to more of the aluminium glazing products they need from one manufacturer, backed by strong stockholding, short lead times and the service levels they expect from Made for Trade.”

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August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MIDORI ALUMINIUM: MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE MEETS DIGITAL INNOVATION Midori Aluminium LTD continues to establish itself as a growing force within the UK aluminium glazing sector— bringing together in-house manufacturing expertise, premium product quality, and a strong commitment to customer service. Operating from its Leicester-based facility, the company supplies and installs aluminium glazing systems nationwide across residential, trade, and commercial markets. At the heart of Midori’s success is its manufacturing capability. Every product is fabricated in-house, from aluminium windows and bifolding doors to sliding systems, heritage doors, curtain walling, and bespoke glazing solutions. This handson approach allows the business to maintain consistent quality, control lead times, and adapt to the specific requirements of each project. For trade customers, Midori Aluminium has positioned itself as more than just a supplier. The company works closely with installers and contractors to provide a reliable and supportive partnership— offering nationwide delivery, fast turnaround times (typically 2–3 weeks for standard supply-only orders), and access to 30-day credit accounts. Alongside this, trade customers benefit from technical

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"For trade customers, Midori Aluminium has positioned itself as more than just a supplier." support, free quotations and drawings, and access to the Midori showroom to help secure their own projects. In the residential market, Midori is increasingly recognised for delivering high-quality aluminium glazing tailored to modern, design-led homes. Homeowners benefit from a full-service approach, including consultation, survey, manufacture, and installation. This end-toend process ensures consistency, attention to detail, and a seamless experience from initial enquiry through to project completion.

Quality and performance remain central to the Midori offering. With a 25-year powder coating warranty and a wide range of high-performance glazing options, the company delivers systems designed to meet the demands of both contemporary and heritage projects. As part of its continued growth, Midori Aluminium is now launching a new e-commerce platform—marking a significant step forward in how customers engage with aluminium glazing. Designed to simplify the ordering process, the platform will allow users to configure products, generate pricing, and place orders online. Trade customers will have access to a dedicated portal where they can manage accounts, track orders in real time, and oversee all ongoing projects in one place.

“We’re building Midori into a modern aluminium brand that blends manufacturing excellence with digital convenience. This is about making it easier for our customers to work with us, while continuing to deliver the quality and service we’re known for.” This removes the need for manual quoting processes and streamlines day-to-day operations for installers. The platform will also benefit residential customers, offering a more accessible way to explore products and begin their journey with Midori, while still maintaining the high level of service the company is known for. As Creative Director Vanisha explains: “We’re building Midori into a modern aluminium brand that blends manufacturing excellence with digital convenience. This is about making it easier for our customers to work with us, while continuing to deliver the quality and service we’re known for.” By combining traditional manufacturing expertise with forward-thinking digital solutions, Midori Aluminium is positioning itself at the forefront of an evolving industry—where efficiency, transparency, and customer experience are becoming increasingly important. T: 0116 319 0702 E: sales@midorialuminium.co.uk www.midorialuminium.co.uk

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TIMBER REPORT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

IT’S THE SUPPLY CHAIN, STUPID! The UK population has grown faster than most European countries and should knock on 70 million this year, +17% up in 20 years. But house building has not kept up with this growth. Labour promised to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament, but housebuilding has gone backwards in the last two years.

Thanks to Jary Developments and Lignum Timber Windows & Doors

Government is starting to relax planning restrictions and regulations but needs to clear the barriers to building. In London, where the problem is acute, housebuilding

Thanks to Glyngary Joinery

With thanks to Lindenwood Home

WOOD, BEAUTIFUL WOOD Looking at some of today’s beautiful long-lived wood windows and doors, it’s easy to forget what a journey Timber’s been on. It’s been transformed since the mid1990s when it was at a cliff edge.

We also lack the skilled labour and building materials capacity to build that many. Most of the small to medium sized housebuilders who built a large proportion of our housing stock disappeared in the 1990/1991 recession.

I WANT CHOICE, LOTS OF CHOICE, AND I WANT IT NOW!

With thanks to Lindenwood Home

Aluminium, with even longer lead times, offered any colour you want, but in its own good time. And fabricators and installers of different window materials also kept things simple by specialising in a single material.

With thanks to Lignum Timber Windows & Doors

timber windows and doors companies have not looked brighter in 50 years. With thanks to Lindenwood Home

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higher outgoings have squeezed their disposable incomes. So, they restrict home improvements to the essentials: look for the cheapest, do the minimum, or leave it for another year. If your customers sell to them, they will also be squeezed, and most likely, you and your suppliers will be too. If you’re wondering what’s happened to your profits: look at your supply chain.

The biggest consequence of the housing crisis has been the growth of the housing Haves and Have Nots. Mortgage free or mortgage light, over 55s homeowners – the Haves - own over 90% of UK savings and pensions. They are the Bank of Mum & Dad. With rising house prices working on even modest houses, and house prices continue to rise nationally, their housing wealth has exploded. Investing in home improvements is a no-brainer for them. Any money they spend on home improvement is absorbed effortlessly by the growth in value of their home. Companies selling to the Haves have done much better than companies selling to the Have Nots. Younger Have Not homeowners may have much greater incomes, but heavier mortgages and

Early mass-produced cars were built for simplicity . Henry Ford’s “Any colour you like, as long as it’s black” epitomised that philosophy. Similarly, in aiming at the mass market, PVCU stuck to offering white and a handful of foiled woodgrains for as long as possible.

From the design and standards to how they are made, installed, positioned and sold, almost everything has changed. And having been extremely product oriented, they are now also learning to market themselves and their products more effectively. Many timber and joinery companies make other products too, from staircases, furniture to doors, whatever people ask for. But greater competition and a tough market is persuading many to specialise and follow the demand. That isn’t always windows and doors so the total numbers of companies making and/or installing timber windows and doors has been falling while the prospects for quality

has collapsed to a historic low. Last year just 5,891 homes were started, 94% below target and a 75% year on year decline. That’s the lowest for any major city in the developed world since 2000.

But over the last 25 years homeowners have responded strongly to choice of material, style and colour. In the premium market choice is essential, and increasingly fabricators and installers who offer choice of window material, style and colour have done well serving homeowner Haves, who have the money, want what’s best for their home, and don’t see why they should wait to get it.

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TIMBER REPORT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

COMMENTS ON THE MARKET Cost volatility isn’t going away anytime soon. With the price of oil rising, we are already seeing the impact flushing through into the fenestration market as the cost of uPVC profile rises from most systems companies.

In the UK, geopolitics is accelerating a shift towards resilience, traceability and lower risk supply chains in the window and door market. From 2026 to 2030, we believe energy volatility, trade friction, and carbon regulation will increasingly influence material choice. This strongly favours timber, particularly when manufactured in Britain for the British market. Responsibly sourced timber combines low embodied carbon, carbon storage and comparatively low energy intensity in manufacture, while domestic production helps keep product miles down and reduces exposure to the logistical disruption inherent in imported systems. Aluminium and PVCU will continue to play important roles, aluminium for durability and recyclability, PVCU for volume housing, but UK manufactured timber is increasingly positioned as a mainstream, technically robust and geopolitically resilient solution.

This, combined with ever tightening energy performance regulations and ‘plastic’ generally becoming more and more of a dirty word will continue to shift more consumers into exploring the benefits of timber and aluminium for their window and door projects. We also know that dramatic tabloid headlines impact consumer confidence to spend, which hits harder in the mid-market middle class spenders, where general cost of living increases like food, fuel and leisure have a meaningful impact on their disposable income and ability to commit to home improvement projects. Continued growth of the steadier premium market combined with oil (and resin) pricing volatility affecting uPVC will further accelerate the shift in our industry towards timber and aluminium materials being explored.

Emily D’Arcy (Marketing Coordinator) George Barnsdale

We supply a range of installation businesses, and the ones who are focussing on the premium market seem to be the ones who are busy, stable and earn attractive margins. Our timber windows and doors made from Accoya tick the energy efficiency box easily, last for 60+ years and look incredible. They’re the perfect sales tool for installers who want to avoid a race to the bottom on price, scrapping for white uPVC.

I think, once the Iran war is over and fuel prices return to pre-war levels, we will be back to the ‘normal’ up-and -down uncertain nature of our industry! Homeowners will still need to replace windows, and allegedly we still need large numbers of new homes, so I expect volumes to increase. The Future Homes Standard will also have an impact, particularly in relation to timber gaining market share. The listed building market is also now a tremendous opportunity for timber companies to grow, with heritage double glazing acceptable in most areas.

Joe Trueman (Co-owner) Glyngary Joinery

Duncan Wright (Managing Director) Lindenwood Home

PROPORTION OF FABRICATORS/ PROPORTION OF FABRICATORS/ INSTALLERS/COMPANIES DEALING WITH PROPORTION OF FABRICATORS/ INSTALLERS/COMPANIES DEALING WITH PROPORTION OF FABRICATORS/ WOOD INSTALLERS/COMPANIES DEALING WITH WOOD INSTALLERS/COMPANIES DEALING WITH WOOD WOOD

202000 202 00 66 606

58.6% 58.6% 58.6%

48.4% 48.4% 48.4% 48.4%

FABRICATORS FABRICATORS FABRICATORS FABRICATORS

50.7% 50.7%

38.8% 38.8% 38.8% 38.8%

46% 46% 46%

44.3% 44.3% 44.3% 44.3%

43.5% 43.5% 43.5%

ALL WOOD RELATED ALL WOOD RELATED ALL WOOD

Duncan Wright (Managing Director) Lindenwood Home

Nine economic shocks in under two decades, and our market’s still standing! This report shows exactly why, and exactly where the next move should be. Aluminium is no longer a niche player, the Haves/Have-Nots divide is reshaping who buys what, and energy pressures are turning triple glazing from nice-to-have into commercial necessity. Sharp, data-led, and essential reading for anyone serious about staying ahead.

Looking at the 2026 Window & Door Market Trends Report, it’s clear the sector is still adapting to change, with new opportunities emerging across materials, regions and customer demand. That makes the timing of FIT Show 2027 more important than ever - it will give the industry a focal point, a platform to come together and turn market insight into action. At a time like this, that kind of visible confidence and practical momentum really matters.

Mike Parczuk (CEO) Sternfenster

Nickie West (Event Director) FIT Show

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

This is great. Very interesting indeed. Despite prolonged economic disruption and multiple geopolitical ‘Black Swan’ events, the report underlines the remarkable resilience within the UK window and door sector - driven by strong homeowner investment from the equity rich and over-55 consumers, with growing demand for higher value, design-led, home improvement products. Sioned Yates (Founder) Access Marketing

P19

TIMBER MARKET SHARE

51.3% 51.3% 51.3% 2024 51.3% 2024 2024 2024

5%

-0.2% -0.2% -0.2% 51.2% -0.2% 51.2% 51.2% 2025 51.2% 2025 2025 2025

...of all windows & doors installed in the UK are TIMBER

TIMBER accounts for

46% 46% 46% 46% 2024 2024 2024 2024

-1.7% -1.7% 44.3% -1.7% 44.3% -1.7% 44.3% 44.3% 2025 2025 2025 2025

5%

43.5% 43.5% 43.5% 2024 43.5% 2024 2024 2024

+0.7% +0.7% +0.7% 44.2% +0.7% 44.2% 44.2% 2025 44.2% 2025 2025 2025

6%

8%

7%

9%

2022

2023

2024

2025

8%

are DUAL COLOUR

of products are PAINTED.

ONLY...

3%

6%

TIMBER PRODUCT MIX

PVCU - 61% ALU - 30%

11%

72%

4%

9%

of the market BY VALUE (£)

COLOUR

5% 2%

<1%

TIMBER MARKET SHARE BY VALUE (£)

Timber’s market share varies greatly by region with hotspots in London and the east of England.

19%

44.2% 44.2% 44.2% 44.2%

With thanks to Lindenwood Home

Analysis of the most recent 1 million items quoted on Tommy Trinder by over 700 of the UK's leading window installers.

1%

ALL WOOD RELATED RELATED

©PROSPECTManager 2026 ©PROSPECTManager 2026 ©PROSPECTManager 2026 ©PROSPECTManager 2026

Jim Blanthorne (Managing Director) Keylite

MARKET INTELLIGENCE FOR INSTALLERS

202 2024 2024 2024 43.5% 4

2525 2525 2020 2020

41.9% 41.9% 41.9% 41.9%

50.6% 50.6%

A highly instructive report which cuts through opinion with genuine market intelligence. It has directly influenced our strategic thinking at Lindenwood Home and will play an important role in shaping our on-going business planning.

TIMBER MARKET SHARE BY REGION

202 2024 2024 2024 46% 4

INSTALLERS INSTALLERS INSTALLERS INSTALLERS

15 20 5 1 20 5 1 20150.6% 5 20 50.6%

51.2% 51.2% 51.2% 51.2%

525020525 20 202 22

202000 202 00 66 606

15 2015 20 5 1 201550.7% 20 50.7%

202000 202 00 66 606

51.3% 51.3% 51.3%

The report is a really sharp piece of analysis, helping inform Keylite as to where the market - residential and commercial - is moving, along with the associated customer wants/needs. Ultimately, removing the guesswork and helping us plan future activity with certainty.

Window & Door Market Trends 2026

202 2024 4 202 2024 51.3% 4 2525 2525 2020 2020

5 2015 2015 201 5 20158.6%

COMMENTS ON THE REPORT

of products are STAINED.

46% CASEMENTS

13% DOORS

41%

SASH WINDOWS

With thanks to Lindenwood Home

©TommyTrinder.Com Ltd 2026

#SellMoreWindows

tommytrinder.com

25

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HURST EXPANDS S-CLASS RANGE WITH NEW APEX STYLE AND 1,600 COLOUR OPTIONS Hurst Doors is continuing to expand its S-Class solid core composite door range with the introduction of the new Composite Apex door style, alongside stable door options, new glazing designs and more than 1,600 RAL colours through its Premium Sprayed service. The latest additions build on the momentum created since the launch of S-Class in September 2025, further strengthening Hurst’s premium solid core offer and giving installers even greater choice when specifying entrance doors for homeowners. The new Composite Apex is a highly versatile style designed to suit both traditional properties and more contemporary homes. It is available in three options: Solid, Squarelite and Squarelite Georgian. Hurst has also introduced new glazing options to complement the Apex style, helping installers create a balanced, design-led finish across a wide range of property types. The expansion follows the addition of S-Class stable doors, giving installers access to a traditional split-leaf option within the same solid core offering. Together, the new styles and configurations reflect growing homeowner demand for more personalised entrance doors, with style, colour, glazing and hardware all playing an increasingly important role in the buying process. “S-Class has been really well received since launch, particularly with installers looking to offer something more premium to their customers,” said Mark Atkinson, Sales Director at Hurst Doors.

Mark Atkinson

“What we’re doing now is building on that momentum by expanding the range. The new Apex style, stable door options and additional glazing designs all give customers more choice, while maintaining the quality and performance that S-Class is known for. “For installers, it creates more opportunities to differentiate, to upsell and to meet homeowner demand for a door that feels genuinely personal to them.” The range expansion comes shortly after the launch of Hurst’s Premium Sprayed service for S-Class, which gives installers access to more than 1,600 RAL colours on timber solid core composite doors. Hurst believes this colour capability sets the range apart from other solid core door manufacturers, giving installers a significant point of difference when selling to design-conscious homeowners. “Colour continues to play a major role in the decision-making process for homeowners, with customers increasingly looking for entrance doors that complement both the character of the property and current interior trends,” said Hayley Barker, Head of Marketing at Hurst. “By investing in our own paint facilities, we’ve been able to respond more quickly to trends and provide a more consistent offering across the full Hurst range.” Each S-Class door is manufactured to order at Hurst’s facility and can be quoted, configured and ordered through Hurst Live. The latest additions form part of Hurst’s ongoing investment in product development, ensuring its customers have access to a competitive, future-ready entrance door range that aligns with changing market demands. For more information, visit www.hurstdoors.co.uk, email info@hurstdoors.co.uk or call 01482 790790.

26

FORCE 8 UNVEILS STRIKING DEEP COPPER FINISH FOR COMPOSITE DOORS Force 8 has once again demonstrated its flair for innovation with the introduction of a stunning new Deep Copper finish for its range of smooth (no woodgrain) composite doors. Designed to replicate the appearance of premium steel entrance doors, the new finish creates a rich metallic effect that delivers all the visual impact of steel, but with the warmth, thermal performance and security benefits of a modern composite door. The latest addition gives installers and fabricators a distinctive new product to offer homeowners looking for something beyond the traditional woodgrain composite door. Suitable for both contemporary and more traditional properties, the Deep Copper finish transforms the appearance of the door, creating a luxurious, architectural aesthetic that would normally command a significantly higher price.

“Achieving the perfect bond between the specialist paint coating and the composite door surface presented a significant technical challenge.” after months of refinement the company has produced a finish that combines exceptional durability with a truly eye-catching appearance. The result is a product that offers homeowners the sophisticated look of a bespoke steel entrance door, while retaining all the practical advantages of composite construction, including excellent thermal efficiency, outstanding security and low maintenance. For installers, it provides a genuine point of difference in an increasingly competitive market. As homeowners continue to seek more individual and design-led entrance solutions, the Deep Copper finish enables installers to offer something rarely seen

in the marketplace, helping them stand apart from competitors and add value to every installation. The introduction of the Deep Copper finish is the latest example of Force 8’s commitment to developing innovative entrance door solutions that help its customers win more business through distinctive design, superior manufacturing and products that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. For further details e-mail sales@force8.co.uk.

Unlike conventional painted doors, every Force 8 Deep Copper door benefits from the company’s dedicated in-house paint facility, where both the door and frame are prepared and sprayed together. This ensures a flawless colour match across the complete entrance system, providing a premium factory-applied finish that simply cannot be achieved with separately sourced components. The development of the Deep Copper finish has been the result of extensive research and testing by the Force 8 team. Achieving the perfect bond between the specialist paint coating and the composite door surface presented a significant technical challenge, but

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

INTRODUCING THE NEW

STABLE DOOR RANGE Available in five popular cottage door styles, the new Stable Door Range combines traditional aesthetics with the proven strength, quality and reliability of ODL Europe’s composite door slab technology. Stocked in white and available in any RAL colour through ODL Europe’s in-house paint facility, every door is finished to the highest standards and backed by a 10-year paint guarantee.

NEW

For more information call 0151 933 0299 or visit www.odleurope.com

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ADSA WELCOMES FAMILIAR FACE IN NEW MEMBER-FOCUSED ROLE The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has appointed experienced industry professional Steve Rutherford as its new Membership Development Officer, reinforcing the association's commitment to supporting members, strengthening engagement and helping businesses maximise the value of their membership. Steve brings more than 20 years' experience within the automatic door industry to the role, alongside a strong track record in training and skills development. Most recently, he played a key role in delivering the industry's pioneering Powered Pedestrian Door Technician apprenticeship programme, helping to develop training content and support more than 70 apprentices through the qualification. In his new role, Steve will act as a dedicated point of contact for ADSA members, working closely with businesses across the UK to understand their challenges, identify opportunities for support and ensure they are fully benefiting from the association's extensive range of services, resources and training opportunities. The newly created position reflects ADSA's continued growth and the increasing diversity of its membership base. With more than 600 member organisations, ADSA is investing in stronger member engagement and ensuring businesses of all sizes have access to consistent support, guidance and opportunities for professional development. Said Steve: “One of the most important aspects of this role is listening to members and understanding what they need from ADSA. Whether that’s training, professional development, technical support or simply helping them navigate their membership, I want to make sure businesses are getting real value from being part of the association. “I’m looking forward to meeting as many members as possible, learning more about their businesses and helping ensure ADSA continues to deliver the support, guidance and expertise that the industry needs.” As part of his role, Steve will undertake a programme of member visits and meetings across the UK, gathering feedback that will help shape future services and training provision. A particular area of focus will be skills development and competency, with ADSA continuing to explore how it can support members as industry requirements evolve and expectations around training, qualifications and continuing professional development increase. ADSA Managing Director Ken Price welcomed the appointment: “Steve’s extensive industry knowledge, practical experience and passion for skills development make him an excellent addition to the ADSA team.

“Steve’s appointment will help us strengthen relationships across our membership, better understand the challenges businesses are facing and ensure ADSA continues to evolve in line with the needs of the industry.” 28

“Our membership has grown significantly in recent years and it is important that every member, regardless of size, receives the same high level of support and engagement. Steve’s appointment will help us strengthen relationships across our membership, better understand the challenges businesses are facing and ensure ADSA continues to evolve in line with the needs of the industry.” Before joining ADSA, Steve spent four years delivering the PPD apprenticeship programme at South Staffordshire College, helping to address skills shortages within the sector and supporting the next generation of automatic door engineers. He previously worked for GEZE UK. Away from work, Steve lives in Tamworth with his wife, Jackie. Between them, they have four grown-up children and share their home with a much-loved Border Collie. A

Steve Rutherford

keen runner, Steve has completed almost 300 Parkruns and remains an enthusiastic supporter of Aston Villa. When time allows, he and Jackie enjoy touring the UK in their caravan and spending time with family and friends. For more information about ADSA membership, training and industry support services, visit www.adsa.org.uk.

ENDURANCE® DOORS INSPIRES FUTURE FEMALE TALENT Endurance® Doors has demonstrated its commitment to nurturing future talent by supporting the WiME Raising Aspirations Programme in partnership with Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) and The Vale Academy. The initiative is designed to encourage more young women to consider careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), showcase the breadth of opportunities available within modern manufacturing and engineering, and provide practical insight into modern industry, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers. Confidence building is another key aim of the programme.

Encouraging inclusivity. Some of the members of the Endurance® Doors team involved in the manufacturer’s support of the WiME Raising Aspirations Programme

The programme reflects Endurance® Doors’ wider focus on investing in local communities, developing the workforce of tomorrow and helping to promote greater diversity across the manufacturing sector.

Russell Hensman, Brand Engagement Manager at Endurance® Doors, said: “As one of the UK’s leading composite door manufacturers, we are passionate about supporting the next generation and helping young people understand the exciting opportunities available within modern manufacturing and engineering. Programmes such as WiME play a vital role in raising aspirations, building confidence and challenging perceptions about careers in STEM and we are proud to champion and be a part of the initiative.”

Students were inspired by female industry professionals, including Endurance® team members, Emma Sloan and Jessie Meakin who led a series of workshops designed to help participants identify their strengths, develop confidence and think about their future ambitions.

“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and engagement from the students throughout the programme. By opening our doors and sharing real-world experiences, we hope we have helped inspire some of the future talent that our industry will rely on for years to come.”

Other speakers included Sarah Cook from Wood and Lisa Carter from Munich Re who shared their own career journeys and experiences and highlighted the value of determination, resilience and self-belief.

Manufacturing and engineering continue to face a significant gender imbalance, with women remaining underrepresented across many technical and leadership roles. Initiatives such as the WiME Raising Aspirations Programme help address this challenge by increasing awareness of career opportunities and encouraging more young women to consider STEM-related pathways.

The second phase of the programme included a visit to the Endurance® Doors manufacturing facility where students were given a guided tour of the extrusion department by Ryan Clarkson. The visit offered valuable first-hand insight into a modern manufacturing environment, allowing students to observe production processes, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse range of roles available across the sector, including engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality, logistics and business functions.

By supporting programmes such as WiME, Endurance® Doors is helping to invest in future skills and local talent development, strengthening links with local education providers, and contributing towards building a more diverse and inclusive workforce for the future. www.endurancedoors.co.uk

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EXPANDING WITHOUT CANNIBALISING With the composite door market split between GRP and solid core preferences, the introduction of Hurst’s new S-Class allows it to successfully service both sides, without compromising existing GRP sales or operational stability. We report.

“The S-Class gives us flexibility to manufacture smaller-width rustic and contemporary doors because of the nature of a solid core. And because it’s a PVC skin, with the same foils as the outer frame, there are also colour advantages.”

When it comes to composite doors, there have always been “two very distinct camps”, according to Mark Atkinson, Sales Director at Hurst.

Strengthening Hurst’s overall offer, the introduction of the S-Class successfully provides installers with a broader commercial opportunity that doesn’t devalue the company’s GRP heritage offer.

“There are those that prefer a solid core option with a PVC skin that clearly matches the outer frame with foils and colour availability – and those that prefer the thermal efficiency of a fibre glass skin and a foam core,” says Mark.

“In a market where diversification is often key to survival, S-Class allows us to cater to the full spectrum of entrance door demand, from cost-effective PVC-U panel doors to high-end, premium composites,” adds Mark.

“We’ve always dominated with the foam side, but we found, when visiting customers, that they’ll either have one or the other or both. We thought we might be missing an opportunity.

“It’s allowed our installer customers to cast the net wider in terms of product choice and the interest this may attract, and we’re confident this will translate into additional sales,” he concludes.

Adding a solid core option to its portfolio would allow Hurst customers to source both technologies from one supplier, simplifying procurement and providing consumers with more choice. But it was imperative that the company’s existing GRP product wasn’t undermined in the process.

Mark Atkinson “Giving consumers greater choice can generate more sales opportunities for installers,” added Mark. “We wanted to diversify, but without cannibalising our current offer, and that’s how the S-Class solid core door came about.”

For more information, visit www.hurstdoors.co.uk, email info@hurstdoors.co.uk, or call 01482 790790.

PRODUCT PARALLELS Instead of replacing one product with another, the S-Class runs in parallel to Hurst’s GRP offer, allowing the company to additionally service customers with a preference for solid core, without eclipsing its existing offering. With solid core products typically sitting slightly above GRP in the perceived market hierarchy, the introduction of the S-Class gives Hurst installers access to higher-value projects in the premium bespoke sector. “The S-Class gives us flexibility to manufacture smaller-width rustic and contemporary doors because of the nature of a solid core. And because it’s a PVC skin, with the same foils as the outer frame, there are also colour advantages,” adds Mark. Available in 62 styles and over 1,600 colours with premium sprayed colours recently introduced, the range is offered with extensive glazing and hardware options – including Hurst’s Harmony Collection, as well as its Bee and Butterfly range – the S-Class offers comparable personalisation opportunities to its GRP stablemate, ensuring consistency of choice across both product types.

TWO PRODUCTS, ONE SOURCE GRP customers continue to receive the same focus, innovation and support from Hurst, but are now also able to offer a solid core option in addition. The ability to deliver both products from the same supplier considerably cuts down on admin, simplifies logistics and reinforces the relationship between Hurst and its customers. Utilising existing skills and equipment to bring the S-Class to market meant that no major capital investment was required, maintaining production stability for existing Hurst customers. “From an operational point of view, it was quite simple to bring the S-Class in alongside our existing GRP product,” adds Mark. “We could use our existing skills and existing equipment, and it was basically maximising the potential of that provision.”

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

29

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SHEERLINE’S INLINE PATIO GLIDES THROUGH ENHANCED SECURITY TESTING SheerGlide®, the new inline patio from Sheerline, is now available with an enhanced security upgrade. The patio has achieved PAS 24 accreditation, which is offered as standard on all Sheerline products, however, homeowners can now request a Secured by Design (SBD) upgrade.

The rigorous testing process saw the inline patio subjected to physical security testing, a manual attack to check for weak spots, and mechanical load testing. The aim is to assess the product as a whole while also focusing on specific component parts. Clever in-built innovations ensure SheerGlide® is secure. This includes TwinLock, which is the first single component interlock, combining both security and thermal efficiency. It’s strong and fully thermally broken, and at 38mm, it maintains the slim aesthetic homeowners expect. Additionally, it’s non-bonded to make it easier to manufacture, transport, and install. Other security features including the modular 'quad' hooklock provided by Ingenious Locks & Hardware. This true PAS 24 lock delivers exceptional levels of reliable security and operation. Security is a key feature of all Sheerline products, and the new inline patio is no different. Given the poor reputation inline sliders have had in terms of both security and thermal performance, it was key the in-house R&D team overcame these issues. This doesn’t just reflect homeowner demand or the fact that standards have increased across the industry. It reflects Sheerline’s approach and commitment to having a 100% fully matched range in terms of refined aesthetics, highperformance U-values, and enhanced security, across its windows, doors, and roof-related products. Ben Hartshorn, Sheerline’s Technical and Design Director, said: “When people see SheerGlide®, they see a stylish sliding patio door. But what they don’t see is the months of development and refinement that went into it. Being able to offer enhanced security as standard alongside an optional upgrade is a testament to our commitment to security.” “We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved and we’re already working on the next stage of development – watch this space for updates,” he added. Sheerline hasn’t just renewed its commitment to security and continuous development, but also the goal of making life easier for fabricators and installers. This is why SheerGlide® is available in bar length or as a time-saving kit requiring just three decisions. For more information on SheerGlide® contact the team directly on 01332 978 000 or email info@sheerline.com.

“When people see SheerGlide®, they see a stylish sliding patio door. But what they don’t see is the months of development and refinement that went into it. Being able to offer enhanced security as standard alongside an optional upgrade is a testament to our commitment to security.” 30

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING REMAINS A DRIVING FORCE IN HOME RENOVATION TRENDS While fashions come and go, some trends have real staying power. One of the most significant in home improvements has been the continued desire to create a stronger connection between the home and garden with indoor-outdoor living remaining a major influence on renovation decisions for homeowners throughout 2026. From open-plan extensions and garden rooms to expansive glazing and larger openings, homeowners continue to prioritise spaces that feel brighter, more flexible and better suited to modern lifestyles. For installers, this presents a valuable opportunity to meet the growing demand for premium glazing solutions that help blur the boundaries between inside and out. Scott Foster, Group Marketing Director at Endurance® Aluminium, believes the trend is no longer simply about aesthetics. “Homeowners are increasingly looking for spaces that work harder for them,” he explains. “The way people use their homes has evolved significantly over the last few years. Whether it’s entertaining friends, spending more time with family, working from home or simply making better use of the space they already have, flexibility has become a key driver behind renovation projects.

expanses of glazing then become the natural link between these internal spaces and the outdoors. As a result, garden-facing elevations are often becoming a focal point of renovation projects, with homeowners willing to invest in premium products that maximise natural light and improve views of the garden. “One of the biggest changes we’ve seen is the growing expectation around glazing,” says Scott. “Where once a standard set of patio doors may have been considered sufficient, many homeowners are now looking for much larger opening systems that create a genuine sense of openness and bring in huge amounts of natural light. Homeowners used to see their doors as functional access products whereas now they are a key feature of modern living spaces that play an important role in the overall aesthetic. “Homeowners want uninterrupted sightlines, wider openings and products that help create a seamless transition between inside and outside spaces. The garden is increasingly viewed as an extension of the home itself, and much more consideration is given to garden design and the route into it than in years gone by.”

“Creating a stronger connection with the garden and outdoor space is often a major part of that. People want homes that feel open, light and adaptable and glazing plays a crucial role in delivering that experience.”

This shift has helped drive continued interest in aluminium systems. The inherent strength of aluminium allows for large glazed areas while maintaining structural performance, making it an attractive option for homeowners looking to achieve a contemporary aesthetic without compromising on practicality.

The popularity of open-plan living continues to underpin much of this demand. Homeowners undertaking extensions are increasingly opting for layouts that combine kitchens, dining areas and living spaces into a single multifunctional environment. Large

For installers, the ongoing popularity of indoor-outdoor living presents opportunities across multiple areas of the market. While extensions remain a key driver, demand is not limited solely to major building projects.

Endurance Indoor Outdoor living

Many homeowners are choosing to upgrade existing glazing as part of wider renovation programmes, replacing older doors and windows with larger, more contemporary systems that improve both appearance and functionality. “Not every project involves an extension,” Scott explains. “We’re seeing homeowners focus on upgrading key areas of their property to create a greater sense of space and improve the way they interact with their garden. “In many cases, replacing an older set of doors with a more modern aluminium system can transform how a room and the garden beyond feels and functions. These kinds of projects can offer excellent opportunities for installers to demonstrate the value that premium glazing solutions can bring.” Despite ongoing economic pressures, lifestyle-led renovation remains a significant factor in purchasing decisions. Homeowners may be more selective about where they invest, but many continue to prioritise improvements that enhance daily living and add long-term value to their property. Rather than moving house, many are choosing to adapt and improve their existing homes to better suit changing needs and lifestyles. “Homeowners are approaching renovation projects with a long-term mindset,” says

Scott. “They’re looking at how their homes can serve them for years to come and that means investing in products that deliver lasting benefits. “Creating versatile living spaces that can be enjoyed throughout the year continues to be a priority. Whether that’s through an extension, a refurbishment or a glazing upgrade, the desire to create a stronger connection between the home and the outdoors shows no sign of disappearing.” For installers, understanding the motivations behind these projects is key. While product performance, security and energy efficiency remain important considerations, many homeowners are ultimately driven by lifestyle aspirations, often from social media. By focusing on how premium glazing solutions can help create brighter, more flexible and more enjoyable living environments, installers can position themselves to take advantage of a trend that continues to shape the renovation market. As indoor-outdoor living evolves into an established way of living, demand for larger opening systems, premium aluminium glazing and garden-focused home improvements looks set to remain a defining feature of the home improvement sector throughout 2026 and beyond. www.endurance.co.uk

SUCCESSFUL PWE DEBUT FOR REGALEAD Decorative glass specialist, RegaLead, has enjoyed a successful debut appearance at the Professional Woodworking Expo (PWE). Held at The NEC at the same time as The Installer Show and Painting and Decorating Show, the event attracted timber installers and joinery manufacturers from across the UK.

range and recreate traditional timber door aesthetics.

replicated that model to offer national coverage for timber windows and doors.

“One of the key takeaways from our conversations with visitors was that the timber door market is lacking an established supply chain for decorative glass, making it difficult to source complete units and take advantage of upsell opportunities.

“Our range has been specially designed to take away the headaches of sourcing decorative glass options, with complete double and triple glazed unit options delivered in a complete range of designs, colours, shapes, sizes and styles, as well as bespoke design options.”

RegaLead showcased its extensive range of decorative glass options which are available in bespoke shapes and sizes for timber doors. Sample panels on the stand included Signature, Etched and bespoke glass designs from RegaLead’s Stained Glass Overlay (SGO) range.

“RegaLead has been a key supplier for the PVCu, aluminium and composite door markets for many years, and now we’ve

Positioned near industry partners The Joinery Network and their fellow affiliates, the show provided an opportunity for RegaLead to launch its new range of standard decorative glass options for Lignum entrance doors. Their stand featured a Lignum timber door in Olive Green with New Orleans Signature decorative glass in the main door and side panel.

Guy Hubble, joint managing director of RegaLead said: “It’s been a great couple of days at the NEC, and really good to chat to a range of joinery manufacturers and installers about how our decorative glass options can really help to transform their

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

Additionally, RegaLead launched a brand new etched glass design to the market at the show. Double Victorian Border glass is available in standard and bespoke sizes for

timber and composite doors, toplights and sidelights. Guy added: “Our etched glazed designs are a great solution for both traditional and contemporary door styles, with our border and repeat patterns offering an extra element of subtle style for doors. For something more stand out, colourful and unique, we also offer completely bespoke glass design options, featuring coloured films, bevels, textured glass and leading, handcrafted by our experts at our factory in Hamilton.” For more information on RegaLead’s range of decorative glass options for timber and composite doors, head to regalead.co.uk.

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

20 YEARS FITTING APEER DOORS IN DIDCOT HOMES 20 years and more than 1200 doors later, Didcot Windows continues to turn to Apeer as its sole supplier of composite doors. The first order from managing director Jodie Jefferson was placed in the spring of 2006 – and those orders are still being regularly logged with the Ballymena manufacturer with no issues, and excellent service.

“I first joined Didcot Windows at the age of 18 and quickly understood that the success of the business was founded on the strength of its people,” said Jodie Jefferson. “While the Apeer doors are definitely superior in terms of looks and functionality, the fact that the company itself subscribes to the same principles of people first is why the relationship is so strong.” Didcot is a relatively affluent area, so trade has remained buoyant for the installation company, which runs three teams of fitters. Jodie, who bought out the company in 2020 when the original owner Trevor Jones took retirement, is driven by the desire to create a

good working environment for everyone involved in the business. “We are powered by trust, both among ourselves, and with our suppliers too,” continued Jodie. “That trust filters throughout the chain – right through to our customers. We’re even replacing windows today for customers that we had more than thirty years ago. That is the power of longevity in our industry.” Word of mouth is a crucial element of Didcot Windows’ marketing activity. The company is particularly busy replacing front doors in a number of local new housing developments, where new owners are reporting on several

issues with their existing doors – particularly damp and slug infestation, of all things. Apeer’s steel blue colour is particularly popular as a replacement door, and Jodie has a range of colours and styles on display in its showroom. “Despite being in the digital age – and social media is something we do embrace – the showroom remains a crucial element of our marketing,” said Jodie. “From unexpected drop-ins to weekend open days, local homeowners prefer to visit to see and feel the quality of the Apeer doors, and get a tangible experience of their performance. The conversion

rate once someone has visited the showroom is significantly higher.” “Jodie and her team at Didcot Windows make the challenge of manufacturing so worthwhile,” added Asa McGillian, managing director of Apeer. “The care and attention they pour into creating a welcoming and stable trading environment for both employees and customers alike must be met by providing them with quality product that performs over and above market comparables. 20 years is a significant milestone in a working relationship, and we will continue to pull all stops out to guarantee another 20 years of problem-free door supply!”

Established in 1988, Didcot Windows evolved as a company that valued the people who worked for it, that committed to the quality of the products it installed, and that put loyalty above all else. Apeer immediately resonated with these principles when it first started working with Jodie and her team back in 2006 – principles that continue to form the foundation of their working relationship.

“From unexpected dropins to weekend open days, local homeowners prefer to visit to see and feel the quality of the Apeer doors, and get a tangible experience of their performance. The conversion rate once someone has visited the showroom is significantly higher.” 32

Jodie Jefferson, Director, Didcot Windows

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

‘HÖRMANN STREET’ – A BOLD NEW SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN FOR HÖRMANN TRUEDOR COMPOSITE DOORS Hörmann UK has been busy creating and filming an ambitious and engaging new social media campaign designed to bring its Hörmann Truedor composite door range directly to the end consumer. Filmed over two days, the campaign titled ‘Hörmann Street’, is humorous, distinctly British and intentionally familiar – inspired by soap style storytelling and recognisable street characters. The series captures the daily lives, relationships and emotional conflicts of a recurring cast of characters. Featuring moments of romance, family drama, betrayal and suspenseful cliffhangers, each episode cleverly weaves in the key features and benefits of Hörmann’s Truedor composite doors. A total of five, 30 second episodes have been created and will appear across Hörmann Truedor’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels. The campaign launched at the beginning of July and is aimed squarely at building homeowners’ awareness of the Hörmann Truedor door

range, and ultimately generating high-quality, live enquiries for Hörmann Truedor’s growing network of installers. As part of the campaign journey, viewers will be encouraged to locate their nearest installer using the new Hörmann Truedor installer finder on the company’s website. From there, they can either contact installers directly by phone or submit a simple online enquiry form. David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK, comments: “This latest end-consumer social media promotion follows on from the success of our ‘Door Secure’ campaign, which promoted our RollMatic roller garage doors. From that initiative, we learnt that homeowners respond particularly well to humorous, well-produced video content that combines engaging storylines with relatable characters. The results were exceptional, with sales of our RollMatic range increasing by 35%. ‘Hörmann Street’ builds on that success. It’s designed not only to entertain but also to create a strong pipeline of enquiries for our composite door installers. Importantly, no other entrance door supplier in the UK market is currently taking such an innovative and creative approach to engaging with homeowners. Attendees at our recent Hörmann Truedor roadshows were given an exclusive preview of the campaign, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with everyone being impressed by the concept and execution. This campaign forms a key part of our wider strategy to generate additional sales while continuing to expand and support our installer network across the UK.” With its innovative storytelling approach and clear focus on consumer engagement, Hörmann Street represents a fresh and creative step forward in digital marketing within the door and glazing sector. Watch the new campaign at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Col0dJBNgZc&list=PLFnopb53uPvc&index=7 or scan the QR code.

ODL EUROPE EXPANDS COMPOSITE DOOR RANGE WITH NEW STABLE DOOR ODL Europe has further expanded its composite door range with the introduction of a new stable door, giving fabricators and installers access to one of the market’s most recognisable door styles. Available in the Cottage door slab range, the new offering includes five designs: Solid, Stanley, Canning, Sandon and Benton. Bryan Bultema, Managing Director at ODL Europe, said: “Stable doors continue to be a popular choice with homeowners because they combine character, practicality and versatility. By adding this option to our Cottage door range, we’re giving our customers another opportunity to meet market demand and offer homeowners even greater choice.”

“By combining the proven ODL Capstone construction with an integrated PVC midrail, we’ve created a solution that brings together traditional appeal and modern performance.” strength, durability and long-term reliability that have made ODL Europe one of the most trusted names in composite doors. Its consistent performance helps fabricators and installers avoid costly callbacks while protecting their reputation and margins. The slab has been purposedesigned with a robust 100mm integrated PVC mid-rail, delivering the

structural integrity required for stable door applications without compromising on aesthetics. Bryan said: “As you would expect from an ODL Europe product, the stable door has been designed to deliver the same levels of quality and reliability our customers expect from us. By combining the proven ODL Capstone construction with an integrated PVC mid-rail, we’ve created a solution that brings together traditional appeal and modern performance.” Bryan concludes: “We’re continually looking at ways to expand our product offering and support our customers with solutions that reflect current market demand. The addition of the stable door is another example of that commitment.” Tel: 0151 933 0299 www.odleurope.com

The stable door slabs are stocked in white and can be supplied painted in any RAL colour through ODL Europe’s state-of-the-art in-house paint facility. The dedicated paint plant gives complete control over quality, consistency and colour accuracy, while allowing customers to offer a truly bespoke solution. The facility uses a hardwearing polyurethane paint system and every painted door benefits from a 10year guarantee against fade, loss of gloss and adhesion. Manufactured from the proven ODL Capstone slab, the new stable door delivers the same exceptional

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

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CASE STUDY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PERTH HIGH SCHOOL, PERTH, SCOTLAND – METAL TECHNOLOGY DELIVERS PASSIVHAUS AT SCALE Delivered by Robertson Construction for Perth & Kinross Council through Hub East Central Scotland, the new £80 million Perth High School is one of the largest Passivhaus-certified high schools in the country - and a clear demonstration of Metal Technology’s ability to deliver certified Passive House façades at scale. Designed by NORR architects, the striking three-storey building adopts a dynamic “boomerang” form that optimises the building’s form factor while creating a clear and efficient layout. The school accommodates up to 1,600 pupils and 140 staff, replacing the previous facility on the same site. Construction was carefully phased to minimise disruption, with the new building completed in 2025. The school has been designed to achieve very low energy consumption in line with Scottish Government LEIP Band A standards. A rigorous ‘Fabric First’ strategy, combined with mechanical heat recovery ventilation, dramatically reduces the building’s operational carbon emissions and running costs, delivering approximately 50% less energy use than a comparable traditionally built school. Metal Technology’s Passive House certified systems were selected to meet the exacting thermal and airtightness requirements

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of the Passivhaus standard. The project incorporates System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling, System 5-45 Hi+ Tilt & Turn Windows and System 5-35D Hi+ Doors. These high-performance aluminium systems, installed by Avtek, provide excellent U-values and airtightness while maximising natural daylight throughout the teaching and social spaces. Inside, the school offers a rich variety of spaces designed to support modern teaching and pupil wellbeing. Key facilities include the Bob Band Auditorium with triple-height volume and rooflights that flood the space with natural light, a library, recording studio, orchestra space, and a state-of-the-art “super lab” science facility. The design also incorporates dedicated intensive support provision and a sensory garden. Generous circulation and social spaces, including triple-height dining areas with direct connections to external recreational space, create a bright and welcoming environment that encourages interaction and community.

Curtain Walling, System 5-35D Hi+ Door, System 5-45 Hi+ Tilt and Turn Window, and the newly launched System 4-45 Hi+ Casement Window. System 4-45 Hi+ marks a significant industry milestone as the first aluminium Passive House certified casement window system in the UK and Ireland. With U-values as low as 0.71 W/ m²K, it sets a new benchmark for thermal performance and gives specifiers greater flexibility to meet varying project demands.

Perth High School demonstrates how ambitious sustainability targets can be successfully delivered at scale within the education sector. By combining a highly efficient building envelope with Metal Technology’s high-performance glazing systems, the project delivers long-term energy savings and a comfortable, healthy learning environment for pupils and staff.

High School and Woodmill High School at Dunfermline Learning Campus – the UK’s largest Passivhaus-certified education buildings – to the £35 million Weaver’s Hall in Belfast, the city’s first Passive House student accommodation at Queen’s University Belfast, and the ambitious £400 million redevelopment of The University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus – set to become one of Europe’s largest Passive House developments – Metal Technology’s systems are enabling genuine highperformance, low-energy buildings at scale.

This achievement sits within a broader track record. Metal Technology has become one of the UK and Ireland’s most trusted partners for certified Passive House façade systems. In just four years, its range has been specified on projects with a combined construction value exceeding £2.5 billion. From the £120 million St Columba’s RC

Designed to meet the world’s most rigorous energy efficiency standard, Metal Technology’s Passive House range delivers exceptional thermal performance, outstanding airtightness and minimal thermal bridging, while providing the design flexibility architects demand. The certified systems include System 17 Hi+

Complementing product innovation, Metal Technology has developed a RIBAapproved Passive House CPD programme. This session equips architects and specifiers with a clear understanding of Passive House principles – including façade U-values, thermal bridging, airtightness, ventilation, solar gain and overall certification requirements. From a project delivery perspective, the company offers true end-to-end support. Its in-house Passive House-qualified design team provides proactive technical input from concept stage through to completion, ensuring seamless integration with the building’s overall energy strategy and architectural vision. Ultimately, this aligns with a strong commitment to sustainability. All systems are manufactured using low-carbon and ultra-low-carbon aluminium, helping to reduce embodied carbon and supporting the industry’s mission to move towards truly zero-emission buildings. Perth High School shows what is possible when high-performance façades, rigorous design and collaborative delivery come together. For more information on Metal Technology’s Passive House systems, visit metaltechnology.com/passive-house. To book a CPD session or discuss a project, contact sales@metaltechnology.com.

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

MARKETING

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August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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GLASS LIFTING SOLUTIONS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CPSLIFT.COM INVESTS IN THE LATEST SMARTLIFT TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT GROWING DEMAND As glazing units become larger, heavier and more complex to install, having the right lifting equipment on site has never been more important. From oversized picture windows and aluminium curtain walling to composite panels and stone, today’s installers are expected to work safely, efficiently and accurately while meeting increasingly demanding project schedules. Recognising this growing demand, CPSLift.com has strengthened its fleet with the arrival of two brand-new SmartLift SL 609 HLE RT glazing robots at its Pontefract, West Yorkshire depot. The investment reflects the company’s commitment to providing contractors and installers across the UK with access to the latest glazing technology, ensuring projects can be completed safely and productively. The SmartLift range has earned a strong reputation within the fenestration industry for combining compact dimensions with impressive lifting power. The latest SL 609 HLE RT takes those capabilities even further, incorporating a host of advanced features designed specifically to make glazing installations faster, safer and more precise. With a lifting capacity of up to 600kg, the SL 609 HLE RT is capable of handling today’s increasingly large glass units with ease.

greater availability for contractors working on projects of every size. For companies considering investing in mechanical lifting or looking to hire equipment for an upcoming project, there’s also the opportunity to experience the SmartLift range first-hand. CPSLift.com is hosting live SmartLift demonstrations both at its Pontefract headquarters and at customer premises across the UK. These demonstrations give installers, fabricators and contractors the chance to see the machines operating in real-world conditions, explore the latest technology and discuss the most suitable lifting solution for their specific applications. Whether installing floor-to-ceiling glazing, structural glass, curtain walling or heavy composite panels, the machine provides the confidence needed to complete challenging lifts while reducing the physical demands placed on installers. One of the standout features is its 4.25-metre lifting height, enabling operators to position glass accurately at higher levels without compromising stability. Combined with a straight up-and-down lifting movement, installers can achieve precise placement while minimising the risk of unnecessary movement or damage during installation. Accuracy is further enhanced through the machine’s electric rotating yoke, allowing glazing units to be manoeuvred into position with exceptional control. This proves invaluable when installing large panes within confined spaces or when working on projects where millimetreperfect positioning is essential. Efficiency has also been a major focus in the development of the SL 609 HLE RT. The machine features a remote-controlled

vacuum system, allowing operators to maintain complete control throughout the lifting process while working safely from the most appropriate position. For repetitive installations, users can even save and reload mounting positions, significantly reducing setup time and increasing productivity across larger projects. Connectivity is another key advancement. The integrated IoT (Internet of Things) technology enables tracking and remote diagnostics, helping to maximise uptime while providing valuable support should servicing or troubleshooting be required. For hire customers, this offers added reassurance that equipment remains operating at peak performance throughout a project. Despite its impressive lifting capabilities, the SmartLift SL 609 HLE RT has been engineered with access in mind. Measuring just 830mm wide, it can pass through narrow openings that would restrict larger lifting equipment, making it suitable for both commercial and residential installations. Its off-road chassis with frontwheel drive also allows operators to tackle uneven site conditions with confidence, expanding the range of environments in which the machine can be deployed. For installers, the benefits go well beyond lifting capacity. Mechanical handling equipment continues to play an increasingly important role in reducing manual handling risks, improving site safety and helping businesses meet their health and safety obligations. At the same time, faster installation times allow contractors to complete projects more efficiently while reducing labour demands and fatigue among installation teams. The arrival of these two new machines is part of CPSLift.com’s ongoing commitment to supporting the UK’s glazing industry with modern, reliable lifting solutions. As customer demand continues to increase nationwide, expanding the fleet ensures

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Whether lifting oversized glazing units, curtain walling, stone, composite panels or other non-porous materials, the demonstrations showcase how SmartLift machines can improve site safety, increase productivity and help overcome even the most challenging lifting scenarios. If you’re looking to future-proof your installation capabilities or simply want to see what the latest generation of glazing robots can offer, a live demonstration is well worth arranging. For more information about the SmartLift SL 609 HLE RT, or to book a demonstration, contact Jonathan Seale at CPSLift.com on 01977 643595, email jonathan@cpslift.com, or visit www.cpslift.com.

The SmartLift SL 609 HLE RT is the next generation of glazing robot, offering: • Up to 600kg lifting capacity • 4.25m lifting height • Electric rotating yoke for precise positioning • Straight up/down lifting movement • Remote-controlled vacuum system • Save and reload mounting positions for repetitive installations • Built-in IoT for tracking and remote diagnostics • Off-road chassis with front-wheel drive • Just 830mm wide, allowing access through narrow openings while delivering outstanding lifting performance.

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CASE STUDY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SHEERLINE’S AWARD-WINNING S1 LANTERN TURNS FIVE Sheerline has launched a new campaign to celebrate five years of its awardwinning S1 aluminium roof lantern. S1: Still Unmatched highlights the features that have enabled the lantern to stand out in what is an increasingly popular (and crowded) product category. Built from the ground up, the S1 was developed to overcome legacy issues – security, aesthetics, and thermal performance – within the roof lantern market. The experienced R&D team created forward-thinking solutions that are as relevant today as when they were launched, adding to the S1’s longevity.

fundamentally remained the same. Another area where things have remained the same is the sleek aesthetics, which have inspired change across the industry.

on the market, SheerVent® demonstrates what can be achieved when applying design principles to a practical solution.

For example, although new updates have been released over the past five years, the chassis and main components have

Notable updates include the three-way option for larger spans and SheerVent®. As the only flush ventilation system

Additionally, it shows how the team have been able to further enhance the S1 by offering practical solutions with tangible benefits for homeowners, fabricators, and installers. In line with updates to Part O and F, ventilation is becoming an increasingly important topic. The campaign will be broken down into different themes each month to spotlight a key feature. This will provide an opportunity to explore the topic in depth and explain the key benefits for different customers. Lee Renshaw, Sheerline’s Marketing Director, commented: “Most systems houses have a lantern, which reflects the growth in demand for this kind of product. For example, we know many homeowners are opting to renovate instead of moving, so a single storey extension with a roof lantern is a great way to extend an existing space without compromising on natural light.” “But the S1 isn’t just a roof lantern. It offers solutions to longstanding challenges. It has redefined what a lantern could, and I’d argue, should, do. It combines the refined aesthetics homeowners love with an abundance of practical features,” he added. Running until early 2027, the campaign is aimed at both fabricator and installer partners, with all customers having the opportunity to get involved. Later in the year, a competition will be launched encouraging installers to showcase their S1 projects. More information can be found online: https://www.sheerline.com/s1-still-unmatched

“Most systems houses have a lantern, which reflects the growth in demand for this kind of product. For example, we know many homeowners are opting to renovate instead of moving, so a single storey extension with a roof lantern is a great way to extend an existing space without compromising on natural light.” 40

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

ROOFING SOLUTIONS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

KEYLITE LAUNCHES NEW FLAT ROOF SOLUTIONS BROCHURE Following the recent acquisition of Whitesales Ltd’s flat roof product range, Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite) has launched a new Flat Roof Solutions brochure showcasing its expanded offering and newly integrated product range. The brochure provides comprehensive product information, including technical details and specification guidance, helping architects, specifiers, contractors, merchants and housebuilders select the most suitable solution for their projects while ensuring compliance with key building regulations and standards. The expanded portfolio includes flat glass rooflights, lanterns, dome systems, sun tubes, kerbs and controls, offering solutions for a wide range of residential and commercial applications.

projects, with a focus on compliance, safety and ease of specification. Customers can also access Keylite’s new online configurator tool via the brochure. The configurator delivers detailed product information instantly, helping to simplify specification, configuration, pricing and ordering.

While the range offers solutions for a wide variety of applications, the em.glaze Resi flat glass, formerly known as the Select Flat Glass Rooflight, has been developed specifically for residential applications, including housebuilding and self-build

The expansion of Keylite’s flat roof portfolio reflects growing demand for compliant flat glass solutions within the residential sector. Engineered to meet modern building requirements, the em.glaze range features a pre-built timber upstand with a 5° pitch and a uPVC kerb designed to comply with Parts L and B of building regulations. Ross Telford, Head of Marketing at Keylite Roof Windows, said: “Our new Flat Roof Solutions brochure has been designed to give customers a clear and accessible overview of the full range, with detailed

Products within the range now include the em.glaze Resi flat glass, em.glaze Premium flat glass, em.glaze Electric Opening, ray.lux flat glass, em.dome Polycarbonate, em.glaze Lantern, Sun Lite Tube System, Flat Roof Kerbs, controls and accessories.

technical information, specification guidance and compliance support all in one place.” Colin Wells, Head of Technical at Keylite Roof Windows, said: “Through the expansion of our flat roof solutions range and the launch of the new brochure, Keylite now offers a comprehensive package for the flat roof market. Whether it’s supporting merchants, housebuilders, architects, installers, self-builders or specifiers, Keylite wants to make it easier to specify compliant solutions from one supplier.” To use Keylite’s online product configurator, visit https://www.keyliteroofwindows. com, or to view the full Flat Roof Solutions brochure, visit https://assets. keyliteroofwindows.com/files/Flat%20 Roof%20Brochure.pdf. For more information on Keylite’s product range, please call 01283 200 158, email info@keylite.co.uk or visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com.

The all new

AluVent from Glazpart

For more information and to find out more: glazpart.com/aluvent 01295 264533 or call to speak with one of the team.

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SENIOR CALLS FOR GREATER CLARITY OVER LOW CARBON ALUMINIUM CLAIMS As part of its What You See Is What You Spec campaign, Senior Architectural Systems is reinforcing the clarity of its environmental information and calling on the wider fenestration industry to move beyond top-line figures and also adopt the same transparent, evidence‑based approach. The call to action follows Senior’s publication of a suite of product-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its aluminium doors, windows and curtain wall systems which challenge the traditional format to provide more accurate data to specifiers. As part of this unprecedented move, Senior’s EPDs include the environmental impact of all system components, including thermal breaks, gaskets, and fixings, as well as fabrication and delivery to site via Senior’s fabricator network. The energy-intensive extrusion process is also accounted for, but importantly the glazing has been omitted. This is because glazing, which is not typically supplied by system houses, can artificially lower the carbon figure for the aluminium system. Senior argues that for complete accuracy, glazing should always be reported separately through its own EPD. Senior’s campaign is focused on the belief that specifiers should only be given accurate and useful information and is being headed up by the manufacturer’s dedicated UK sustainability lead Luke Osborne. Under Luke’s stewardship, Senior is reframing the way it communicates information about its low carbon aluminium to provide more detail and context so that specifiers are empowered to challenge some of the bolder claims that are often made. A key part of this is Senior’s desire to see the industry move away from the over reliance of quoting carbon figures relating to aluminium billets in isolation as this doesn’t account for the extrusion and profiling

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WHITELINE ABSORBS ALUMINIUM SURCHARGE IN FULL, BRINGING PRICES DOWN FOR IT’S PARTNERS Luke Osborne

process and therefore doesn’t reflect the products that are actually installed on site. For its part, Senior is keen to provide greater clarity around its own aluminium extrusion processes and how that affects the billet figure that is so often quoted. Senior currently offers two options – its standard aluminium, known as ReAl 4.0 and its lower carbon option which is available on request, ReAl 2.0. Senior’s standard ReAl 4.0 aluminium has a billet figure of 3.5 kg CO₂e/kg and an extrusion figure of 0.75 kg CO₂e/kg to give an overall carbon footprint of 4.25 kg CO₂e/ kg for mill finish aluminium profiles. ReAl 2.0 has a billet carbon footprint of 1.61 kg CO₂e/kg, which when added to the 0.75 kg CO₂e/kg figure for extrusion process, gives an overall figure of 2.36 kg CO₂e/kg for mill finish aluminium profiles. Commenting, Senior Architectural Systems’ UK sustainability lead Luke Osborne said: “As carbon figures relating to aluminium billets alone don’t give an accurate picture of the products installed on site, the extrusion process must be factored in to any carbon calculations as well as all the individual components that make up the specific system. Otherwise, there are significant discrepancies in terms of what has been claimed, and what is true in reality. With many public sector projects now engaging with carbon auditors to check for this very issue, the need for full transparency is not only an ethical matter but also a commercial one.

Whiteline Manufacturing, one of the UK's leading window and door fabricators, has taken decisive action to ease cost pressures across the industry for its aluminium products. In early July, the fabricator announced that it would absorb its aluminium surcharge in full with immediate effect, resulting in a direct reduction in prices for its customers. The move, effective from 1st July, means that whilst supplier surcharges remain an industry-wide reality, Whiteline has decided to absorb that cost internally rather than pass it on. The result is straightforward: lower prices, with no reduction in product quality or service levels. The announcement comes at a time when economic uncertainty impacts cost pressures that continue to squeeze margins across the fenestration sector. Rather than wait for market conditions to shift, Whiteline has acted decisively to give its customers a tangible commercial advantage right now. Alongside the absorption of the surcharge, Whiteline has confirmed that its aluminium lead times now stand at just three weeks, significantly ahead of the industry average of four to six weeks.

Customers can therefore expect not only better pricing, but faster turnaround without any compromise on the quality the brand is known for. The PVCu surcharge remains under active review, with Whiteline confirming it is working to address this as its next priority. Louise Evans, Group Managing Director at Whiteline Manufacturing, said: “We understand the cost pressures many of our customers are facing right now, and we want them to know that we are firmly on their side. Absorbing the aluminium surcharge in full is one practical way we can help ease that pressure and give our partners greater confidence when pricing and securing work. Our customers rely on us for quality, service and reliability, and with our current three-week aluminium lead times, we are focused on giving them the support they need to stay competitive and keep moving forward.”

“Our customers rely on us for quality, service and reliability, and with our current threeweek aluminium lead times, we are focused on giving them the support they need to stay competitive and keep moving forward.”

“We have developed our EPDs specifically to address this widespread problem and to hopefully buck the trend to create a more accurate benchmark for how the environmental performance of aluminium fenestration systems is positioned and communicated. I firmly believe that EPDs should be open to interrogation, audit, and robust scrutiny, making them a useful resource for specifiers rather than simply a marketing or sales tool.” Senior’s full range of EPDs are available to download via the website at www.seniorarchitecturalsystems.co.uk and Senior’s page on NBS Source: https://source.thenbs.com/en/gb/ manufacturer/senior-architectural-systemsltd/dVSDoRHE7zaprhEbgnigyf/overview.

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

INNOVATING FOR THE ALUMINIUM SECTOR Aluminium windows and doors have become increasingly popular with homeowners as the sector continues to grow with more companies now offering new product and component solutions. One of the key considerations for aluminium window and door manufacturers is ventilation. Since the changes in building regulations in July 2022, compliance with building regulations as set out in Approved Document F (means of ventilation), is now critical for companies replacing windows or doors made of any material including aluminium. With mechanical ventilation being expensive, inconvenient and time consuming to install, the most practical and affordable way to compliance, for both installers and homeowners, is to install trickle vents to the window and door profiles or frames. Over the last decade, Glazpart’s Link Vent with its clever design, easy installation and operation combined its availability in a vast colour range, has made it the trickle vent of choice for window and door companies. However in the last 18 months, Glazpart has concentrated on component solutions specifically for aluminium fenestration.

demonstration (using a model bi-fold door) of how the vent performed and looked within a bifold door system. The Bi-Fold Vent’s shallow (slim) height is designed to work within the low hinge stack heights when the doors in a bi-fold system are in the open position – it has unique low-profile louvred canopy design combined with a low profile vent to allow both the internal vent and louvered grille clip in to easily sit between the open concertinaed door leaves. Dean Bradley

windows and doors, we collaborated with our customers and aluminium experts. In 2024, we joined the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) to gain greater insight and knowledge of aluminium as a building material. In the spring of 2025 we launched our first aluminium glazing component with the introduction of the BiFold Vent and most recently we have launched the AluVent.”

THE BI-FOLD VENT The launch of the innovative Bi-Fold Vent at FIT Show 2025, certainly gathered much interest with many visitors to the Glazpart stand seeing a physical

Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director outlines the niche strategy, “Since 2022, and our market domination with the Link Vent, we continued to explore the trends and different niches within the glazing sector. With more fabricators offering aluminium

The Bi-Fold Vent is designed for compliance to the building regulations with the independently tested equivalent area, it sits in a 16mm rout and in many cases, can be located directly into the door leaf or frame, removing the need for expensive additional “knock on” or extended profiles. With a 2700 EQA (per vent), a 3-panel door meets the requirements for background ventilation.

Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director summarises, “Following the success of the Bi-Fold Vent, the AluVent is a welcome addition to our range and once again demonstrates Glazpart’s commitment to innovating for the aluminium sector.”

THE ALUVENT The AluVent is a new range of aluminium trickle ventilators, designed and manufactured specifically for aluminium windows and doors. The AluVent is versatile with a sleek design that allows it to be frame or sash mounted, where its low profile sits seamlessly and unobtrusively on the window or door, making it aesthetically pleasing. The AluVent is also fitted with a foam strip on the inside of the vent’s closure plate which reduces cold spots, helps seal the rout and reduces noise when in the closed position.

matched end caps as well as traditional black and white, which are fitted easily in place without the need for any tools. There is also an unassembled mill finish option so you can powder coat your own specific colour that can be perfectly matched to blend in with the overall look of the window or door.

The AluVent and Bi-Fold Vent are available for delivery, to find out more and get prices, contact your Glazpart Account Manager (if you are already a Glazpart customer) or call 01295 264533 or email: Sales@glazpart.co.uk. To find our more about the AluVent please visit: https://glazpart.com/aluvent/

The vent is designed to be fitted on either a 13mm or 10mm rout and being available in 3 sizes, 2500, 400 and 500 EQA, the AluVent’s performance will meet the ventilation requirements specified in building regulations. Among several unique features, the AluVent comes with ingeniously designed profile end caps that clip into the grille, locking it into position and so avoiding separation from the aluminium profiles (lid or canopy) and allowing for screw fixing to the profile. With aesthetics in mind, the AluVent is powder coated aluminium with RAL colour

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

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CASE STUDY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MERCHANT GROWS WITH FREEFOAM BULDING PRODUCTS: ‘STOCK IN EVERY BRANCH’ Freefoam Building Products’ longstanding relationship with LBS Group demonstrates how the roofline manufacturer supports builders’ merchants by establishing strong partnerships based on trust, service, and shared values. Established in 1931 in Llandilo the business is run today by Rachel and Ben Davies – great grandchildren of the original owner. From small beginnings at just one location the company has grown and now operates with 52 branches over 29 sites. As the largest independent builders’ merchant in South Wales LBS has grown significantly over the years, and its partnership with Freefoam is an example of how a supplier relationship can contribute to long-term success. The partnership is featured in a new video release from Freefoam, filmed at LBS branches in South Wales and at the company’s head office in Ammanford. The video highlights how Freefoam works closely with merchant partners such as LBS to provide consistent product availability, trusted support, and a relationship-led approach that helps merchants serve their customers with confidence.

long-standing relationships with customers, staff, and suppliers such as Freefoam Building Products has given our business the grounding it needs to succeed. Our relationship with Freefoam has gone from strength to strength over the years. As we have grown the business and added merchant branches, every single one of those has been stocked with Freefoam products. It’s a sign of success.” That same commitment to long-term relationships is reflected in the way Freefoam works with LBS. “We’ve been working with Freefoam for 15 years. Freefoam shares our values and works well with management and our branch staff — the feedback is always positive,” says Ben. Freefoam soffit and fascia roofline products are kept in stock at all 19 builders merchant branches, with White a traditional big seller. Woodgrains and Anthracite Grey are also popular. “It’s the depth of our Freefoam stock and the fact it’s always available that keeps customers coming back,” explains Ben. Aidan Harte, CEO Freefoam Building Products, concludes “We are proud of the relationship we have with LBS. It’s the perfect example of how Freefoam manage and support large multi-branch merchants. We make sure they get the same high level of service and integrated support as a single site independent customer and we’re committed to being part of their ongoing growth and development.”

“It’s the depth of our Freefoam stock and the fact it’s always available that keeps customers coming back.” See Freefoam’s full range at www.freefoam.com or call 01604 683866 for merchant prices and more. To watch the full video click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d64jFNvvVOw

Rachel Davies says the company’s focus on people and partnerships has been central to its growth. “Cultivating

“We are proud of the relationship we have with LBS. It’s the perfect example of how Freefoam manage and support large multi-branch merchants. We make sure they get the same high level of service and integrated support as a single site independent customer.”

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August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

COASTAL GROUP AND HANSEN PRODUCTS ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP Coastal Group named exclusive hardware supplier for HansenMillennium windows, bringing a new benchmark in high-end door and window hardware to the Northern European market.

Modern, and Timeless – now available across the Millennium range. Each line is offered in three refined finishes: Black, Satin Stainless Steel, and PVD Stainless Satin Brass, allowing specifiers to achieve a matching coordinated design across every project. For bespoke specifications, custom powder coating is available to match hardware precisely to individual window constructions. To support partners in making confident product selections, professional sample kits are being made available, ensuring quality can be assessed firsthand.

Coastal Group, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-end door and window hardware, and Hansen Products, Northern Europe's foremost independent fenestration specialist, today announced a strategic partnership that will see Coastal become the exclusive hardware supplier for Hansen's flagship Millennium window range. The partnership brings together two companies with a shared commitment to precision engineering, premium aesthetics and long-term performance – delivering a complete, fully integrated solution to architects, developers and contractors operating at the top end of the market.

A PERFECT MATCH FOR THE HANSEN MILLENNIUM The Hansen Millennium is renowned across the industry for its ultra-slim profiles, which

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

“The Millennium range represents exactly the kind of precision engineering that our hardware is designed to complement, and we are proud to be part of a partnership that will set a new standard for what premium fenestration looks and feels like. We look forward to bringing this collaboration to the wider market and continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible.”

maximise natural light and open up interior spaces in contemporary architecture, while also enabling the precise arched detailing demanded by sensitive heritage and renovation projects. The range sets a new benchmark for customers who are looking for quality, performance and a way to stand out. Coastal's hardware has been selected to complement that exacting standard, with three distinctive hardware lines – Classic,

no exception,” said Marcin Banak, Hansen Products. “Coastal brings exactly the rigour, durability and design sensibility that the Millennium deserves. This partnership allows us to deliver a truly complete, endto-end premium solution to our clients, one that performs as beautifully as it looks, from the profile to the handle. We are excited about what this means for customers and for the wider market.”

“At Coastal, we have always believed that great hardware is the final detail that transforms a good window into an exceptional one,” explained Loren Jenner, Coastal Group’s Managing Director. “Hansen Products shares that philosophy entirely. The Millennium range represents exactly the kind of precision engineering that our hardware is designed to complement, and we are proud to be part of a partnership that will set a new standard for what premium fenestration looks and feels like. We look forward to bringing this collaboration to the wider market and continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible.” “Premium quality is defined by every detail, and the hardware on a window is

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HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CREATING VALUE IN A CHALLENGING MARKET

MILA LAUNCHES PROCORE RANGE OF DOOR AND WINDOW HANDLES Mila has unveiled its new ProCore range of contemporary door and window handles – a versatile and competitive collection engineered to suit a wide range of profiles and applications.

choice of finishes to complement modern doors and windows: White, Satin Black, Anthracite Grey, Dark Chrome, Polished Gold, Brushed Stainless Finish and Chrome.

Combining sleek, contemporary aesthetics with genuine everyday usability, ProCore handles are crafted to deliver Mila’s renowned quality standards. The range is suitable for a wide variety of applications and profiles, offering fabricators and installers the confidence to specify hardware that excels in both form and function

Suitable for uPVC, aluminium and composite doors, and designed for both left and right-handed applications, the handles are available with 92mm fixing centres (PZ) or split 92/62mm options to suit a wide range of multipoint locking systems.

Featuring an ergonomic lever design, the ProCore door and window hardware range delivers smooth, comfortable and controlled operation in everyday use. ProCore handles are available in a wide

Richard Bryant explains why Window Ware is prioritising value-led, designdriven hardware to drive demand.

DOOR HANDLES For enhanced durability, the door handle features separate internal and external spring cassettes, ensuring a reliable return to 90° and helping to prevent ‘handle sag’ over time.

Fabricators and installers can choose from lever/lever, lever/ offset lever and lever/offset pad configurations, helping to achieve the right balance of accessibility for each project. Blank and blind backplate options are also available for non-locking doors. The range is further enhanced by a choice of standard and slimline backset options, ensuring suitability across a wide variety of profiles.

WINDOW HANDLES Designed for compatibility with both uPVC and aluminium profiles, the handles are available in inline options for standard applications, offset versions for restricted spaces, and egress variants to support quick and safe exit when required. Each handle is supplied with screw and spindle packs, along with slideon screw covers that create a

clean, concealed fixing for a refined, highquality finish. With a wide choice of spindle lengths from 9mm to 55mm, ProCore handles offer easy selection and installation, ensuring compatibility across a broad range of window types.

CERTIFIED QUALITY Both the ProCore door and window handles are tested to meet demanding industry standards, underlining their strength, durability and longterm performance. Door handles comply with BS EN 1906:2012, achieving 100,000 operating cycles and withstanding an 80kg lever pull, while window handles meet the same standard with 25,000 operating cycles and 6,250 lock barrel cycles. The ProCore range is tested to BS EN 1670 for corrosion resistance, achieving up to Grade 5 performance, including 480 hours of salt spray testing, depending on finish. In addition, ProCore window handles also comply with BS EN 131263:2011 at 50kg, further demonstrating their robust construction and reliability. All hardware in the ProCore range comes with Mila’s 10-year mechanical guarantee, as well as a surface finish guarantee that covers painted finishes for 10 years and decorative finishes for 5 years, providing complete confidence for fabricators and installers alike. Julie Holmes, Sales Director at Mila, comments: “Our new ProCore range is a competitive offering, a solution to suit a wide variety of doors and windows across newbuilds and renovations. The handles provide genuine durability and are backed by our renowned Mila standards – making them an ideal solution for many applications.” To learn more about ProCore and its full door and window hardware offering, visit www.mila.co.uk.

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It’s clear that neither consumers nor businesses have budgets that feel particularly generous right now, and the current instability around the globe will be having a short-term impact, with the potential long-term one still unknown. Cost pressures remain firmly in place, and it does not appear that government policy will create meaningful opportunities for growth in our market in the short term. If anything, continuing to burden businesses with additional cost and legislation only makes it harder to invest, innovate and ultimately deliver the growth that is so badly needed to ease those pressures. That reality means as an industry we must create opportunities ourselves and focus on adding more value to the sales process and helping our products stand out against other high-ticket items. They have to inspire confidence, justify investment and, crucially, create desire. New and reengineered fenestration products will therefore be essential to driving sales. Design-led choice, differentiation and kerb appeal continue to be powerful decision-making factors, and that applies just as much to hardware as it does to frames and glass. The right hardware can turn an installation from functional to aspirational. A great example of this is our Knurled range, which we launched last year and which has proved hugely popular. Its success reinforces the simple truth that products that combine distinctive design with quality engineering and strong finishes will continue to thrive, not just this year but well into the future.

Richard Bryant

Wide choice will also be critical, including standard uPVC, Residence Collection style options, quality composite doors, aluminium and timber. Hardware must keep pace with those changing demands, trends in design and the need for differentiation across every material sector. At Window Ware, we’re responding by reengineering existing products, designing new ones and expanding our ranges. That means more architectural-style furniture, greater choice of finishes across standard ranges, and new and improved tools and consumables, all driven by direct customer feedback. Our Window Ware brands also have new products launching later this year, which we will be fully behind as we collaboratively drive improved products, stronger stock holdings and broader options for fabricators and resellers. Our recent partnership with BJ Waller is a key strategic decision in that journey, strengthening our ability to meet the wider demands of the fenestration industry with expertise in hardware design, supply chain resilience and next-day service across everyday components. Both ends of the market matter. We need design-led products that drive desire, but also smarter, reengineered solutions that help customers hit performance targets efficiently. Hardware has to support both. To discover Window Ware’s range, call 01234 242724, email sales@windowware.co.uk, or visit www.windowware.co.uk.

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY IN MOTION

Sense by MACO Casement sensor. Tilt & Turn and Door sensors are also available, along with a Universal sensor for sliding doors, sliding sashes, and other special applications.

Invisible intelligence for smart windows and doors With Sense by MACO wireless sensors it’s easy to make windows and doors smart. The wireless sensors fit seamlessly with existing MACO hardware and can be added quickly during manufacture or installation, without changing current working practices. They can detect whether a window or door is open or closed and share this information using the Matter smart home standard, so they work with many popular smart home systems. This allows homeowners to automatically manage heating, security, and energy use — making everyday living more comfortable, safer, and more efficient. Discover Sense by MACO at: www.maco.eu/sense

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DESIGNED TO WORK IN HARMONY A DOORSET IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE WAY ITS COMPONENTS WORK TOGETHER For years, the door industry has selected locks, cylinders, security hardware, and access technology as individual components, expecting them to perform together as one complete doorset.

harder than necessary. This makes calibration more complex and affects consistency, reliability, and battery performance.

It may be the established way of working, but that does not necessarily make it the best approach.

Homeowners do not separate the smart device from the door. They judge the complete experience.

When components are selected individually, each manufacturer optimises its own product. The responsibility for making everything work together then falls to the fabricator or installer.

When the door operates smoothly and responds consistently, the technology feels intuitive. When it struggles or leaves the homeowner uncertain about whether the door is secure, confidence can quickly disappear.

This creates variation in fitting, operating force, long-term performance, and reliability. Installation takes longer, commissioning and calibration are less predictable, and any problems that arise get left for the fabricator or installer to resolve. The result is not simply a technical issue. It affects installation time, call backs, support requirements, customer confidence, reputation, and ultimately the profitability of every doorset. A more effective approach begins by treating the hardware as a system, with components engineered to work together from the outset.

FROM COMPATIBLE COMPONENTS TO A COORDINATED SYSTEM Just because two products are technically compatible, does not guarantee they will deliver the best possible performance together. The lock, cylinder, security protection, smart device, and sensor all influence how the complete door operates. Variations in movement, resistance, tolerances, and door adjustment places additional demand on the hardware. This becomes particularly important when smart technology is introduced. A smart device attached to a locking system it was not specifically designed to operate will have to work

For installers, easier calibration means less time on site, faster commissioning, and a more repeatable installation process. For homeowners, longer battery life and dependable operation mean fewer frustrations and greater confidence in the door. For fabricators, greater consistency can help reduce call backs and protect the value of each installation.

DESIGNED AROUND THE LOCK Crafted Synergy takes a different approach. Rather than combining independently selected components and expecting them to work together, it brings the lock, cylinder, security protection, and smart technology together as one coordinated ecosystem. At the centre of the smart solution is Polaris Smart Lock, configured specifically to operate with Winkhaus autoLock AV4, AV4 Heritage, and Thunderbolt multi-point locking systems. This is the difference between compatibility and synergy. Compatibility means two products can be connected. Synergy means they are engineered to deliver a better result together. Because Polaris is designed around the locking system it controls, calibration can be completed through a simple process within the Polaris App. The device establishes the movement required for the selected lock, rather than relying on a generic setting intended to accommodate numerous unrelated systems. For fabricators, this creates a clearer and more consistent specification. For installers, it helps reduce complexity at the point of installation. For homeowners, it supports smooth, dependable operation from the start.

EFFICIENCY ACROSS THE SYSTEM The way components interact also has an important effect on efficiency. A motor that repeatedly has to overcome unnecessary movement or resistance will use more energy. Battery performance cannot therefore be considered separately from the lock and doorset the device is operating. By developing the smart technology around compatible Winkhaus locking systems, Polaris can work more efficiently. Testing has demonstrated up to nine months of battery life when used with autoLock AV4 and up to 12 months with Thunderbolt, based on 13.6 uses per day in ambient temperatures. Battery life is not simply an isolated product statistic. It is an indication of how effectively the entire system has been engineered to operate.

MORE MEANINGFUL INFORMATION System thinking also improves the information available to the homeowner. Some connected products confirm that a motor has completed an instruction, but that does not necessarily confirm that the door is properly closed or that the locking points have physically engaged. The Polaris Smart Sensor is designed to complement the locking system, by detecting the position of the locking point allowing the app to provide live visibility of the door status. And with the Polaris Wi-Fi Bridge, you can do this from anywhere in the world.

A MORE INTELLIGENT APPROACH The opportunity for fabricators is not simply to add another connected product to a door range. It is to offer a complete experience where every component has a defined role and works towards the same outcome. Because the smartest part of a smart door isn’t an app, it is the thinking behind the entire doorset. Designed together. Tested together. Working in harmony.

Find out how Crafted Synergy can help you to sell more doors at: https://www.winkhaus.co.uk/en/crafted-synergy?utm_source=glass_times&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=crafted_synergy_launch 48

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Crafted Synergy the smart security ecosystem

In a challenging market, standing still is not a strategy.

and smart functionality, creating stronger differentiation,

Crafted Synergy supports you to strengthen your

greater value per doorset and more reasons for

doorset offer, through performance, usability, security

customers to buy.

Find out more

winkhaus.co.uk

Q&A: ANDREW SCOTT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WHY ANDREW SCOTT CREATED EDGE BY INSIGHT DATA Andrew Scott has spent more than 30 years building businesses, advising leaders and, by his own admission, seeing the same commercial mistakes made repeatedly. That is exactly why he created EDGE by Insight Data. This one-day event, hosted by Insight Data, is designed to give businesses in the glass and glazing industry something Andrew Scott says has been missing for far too long: a practical day of ideas, structure and straight answers. We spoke to him about the thinking behind it, what delegates can expect and why he believes one focused day can be worth years of muddling through.

EDGE feels like a big step for Insight Data. What was the thinking behind it? We have worked closely with businesses across fenestration, building products and construction for years, and you begin to notice the same patterns. There are plenty of good businesses led by hardworking people who are not growing as fast as they should be. This doesn’t mean they’re incapable. More often, it’s because they do not have the

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right framework, the right data or the right perspective. EDGE came from a simple question: what if we could put everything we know into one focused day and give people something genuinely useful to take away?

Why now? The market is not exactly having an easy time of it. Precisely because of that. When trading conditions get tougher, the gap between businesses with a clear plan and those without becomes painfully obvious. The companies taking share are not doing anything magical. They are just clearer about who they want to reach, more consistent in how they go after those opportunities and better aligned internally. None of that is reserved for the chosen few. It can be learned.

You have built and sold businesses, advised hundreds of owners and worked across this sector for years. Why does that matter here? Because this is not fluffy business theory. I understand the sales cycles, the margin pressure, the seasonality and the way decisions are made in this market. General business advice is everywhere. Advice grounded in the realities of this sector is much rarer, and that is what EDGE is built around.

What will delegates experience on the day? It’s a masterclass. There will be keynote sessions looking at growth strategy, market opportunity and how to build a stronger team. Running alongside that, there will be Salestracker workshops for sales, marketing and customer service teams.

What is the main thing you want people to leave with?

Andrew Scott

A proper 90-day plan. Not vague inspiration that’s gone by Monday morning, but a written, agreed plan that everyone understands and can work from.

One focused day, with the right people in the room and the right structure, can cut through a great deal of confusion. Sometimes it’s surprising how much progress can come from simply stopping long enough to think properly.

A lot of businesses have a strategy somewhere, yet very few have one that the whole team can actually explain. That gap between what leadership thinks the plan is and what the team is doing is where growth tends to vanish. Closing that gap in a single day is absolutely possible.

Some people will still wonder whether one day can really make a difference. I’d push back on that, because the issue is rarely a lack of effort. It is usually that the effort is scattered in too many directions.

Who should be in the room on September 17? Anyone in this sector who isn’t fully happy with where the business is heading. Senior leaders who want clarity. Sales teams who want sharper tools. Marketing teams who want better return on effort. You don’t need to be an Insight Data customer (but if you are, you can receive two free tickets!). However, you do need to be serious about growth. For more information, visit https://insightedge.co.uk/.

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CASE STUDY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ERA AND QUICKSLIDE RELATIONSHIP SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH Long-standing supplier relationships continue to play a crucial role in driving growth and product development across the fenestration sector, with leading sash window manufacturer Quickslide highlighting its 15-year partnership with hardware specialist ERA as a key part of its ongoing success story. Quickslide has built more than two decades of success focused on high standards, continuous development and quality. Specialising in in-house manufacturing with an emphasis on quality control and independent testing, the company supports window installers and homebuilders across the UK, as well as its host of merchant partners, with a product portfolio built around its flagship sliding sash windows. Crucial to its continued growth is the relationships the West Yorkshire business has built with its suppliers, based on high quality service and commercial understanding, as well as industry leading products. By building relationships with suppliers who share Quickslide’s ethos, the company has seen continued and consistent growth since its launch in 2004. One such supplier is ERA, a leading fenestration manufacturer based in the West Midlands, with over 185 years of manufacturing, design and innovation experience. ERA, now part of Quanex Hardware Solutions, is a leader in the development and distribution of hardware and security solutions for the residential building and home improvement markets, with extensive

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

knowledge and experience in delivering total security solutions for windows and doors. The business moved to a world-class purpose-built 135,000 sq. ft headquarters at the prestigious i54 site in Wolverhampton in 2017, housing state-of-the-art manufacturing, R&D, product development, test, and training facilities. Their relationship with Quickslide now dates back 15 years, with ERA’s UK manufactured vertical sliding sash balance range at the heart of product investment over this period. Quickslide’s sliding sash windows are its flagship product, utilising ERA’s F and K spiral balances. Where the combination of stainless steel spiral rod torsion and tension springs produces a self-contained balancing device capable of maintaining the equilibrium of a sash window at any point in the travel of the sash. Outside of product performance, Quickslide Managing Director Ben Weber, who has been with the company since its inception, values ERA’s support towards achieving and maintaining manufacturing lead times, as well as their role in driving new product development. Over the past six months, ERA has supplied more than 50 hardware display units to some of Quickslide’s key trade partners, adding value and supporting strong customer retention levels.

Ben said: “Our strength as a business comes from our culture - we’re driven and committed to continuous improvement across everything we do, all with the aim of delivering better products and service for our customers. That mindset naturally extends to our supply chain. “We’ve worked with ERA for around 15 years, and that relationship has been built on consistency and a shared understanding of what good looks like in manufacturing. It’s never been a passive supplier arrangement – it’s a working partnership where both sides challenge, support and push for better results. “We’re ambitious and are growing year on year – I think ERA’s size, history and reputation hold them in good stead.” The relationship between the two companies has grown over the years, with Quickslide centralising product purchasing where possible. Alongside balances, ERA’s sash window furniture range is now used across Quickslide’s flagship Legacy Sash Windows. The Fab&Fix VS hardware range has been specifically designed for sash windows, offering a premium suite of hardware. Combining lasting durability with a wide choice of styles and finishes, from classic to contemporary, all backed by ERA's highest manufacturing standards. The range is available in a wide range of distinctive finishes, including Hardex Gold, Hardex Pewter, Hardex Bronze, Hardex Chrome and Hardex Graphite options, alongside the more traditional colours. Protected by the renowned Hardex coating, Fab&Fix hardware is built to resist corrosion, fading, and everyday wear, ensuring aesthetic consistency across not only sash windows but across the wider well-respected Fab&Fix range. For Quickslide, this provides aesthetic versatility across their range of high-spec products, a choice of finishes and style

options to work across window designs, all backed by ERA’s commitment to quality. Marc Robinson, Technical Sales Manager at ERA, said: “We’re proud to be supporting the growth of Quickslide and seeing their continued success is a testament to the team’s ambition and professionalism. “ERA supports our customers beyond providing the best product solutions, we want to be their partner and offer value based on reliability, transparency and expertise. “Whether that’s bringing discussions to the table on legislation and guidelines, testing or looking at bespoke solutions where possible, we aim to be flexible and proactive. “The future is exciting for Quickslide, and we’re delighted to be part of that.” For more information on Quickslide Sash Windows, visit www.quickslide.co.uk For more information on ERA, visit www.eraeverywhere.com/

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FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

This month we speak to Gary Dobson about his daily life and hobbies. Gary is Operations Manager at Flat Glass Solutions.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU... Where you were born and live currently I was born in a little village called Lemington, which is 3 miles from Newcastle City Centre. Lemington was the base for the old glass works where my grandfather and uncle both worked as glass blowers. So it seemed inevitable that I would end up in the glass business. I now live in Shotley Bridge County Durham with my wife and daughter, a stone’s throw away from the Northumberland border.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled I was not much of a scholar, educated to CSE standard. Left school at 15 years to start work on the local milk round. Later on in my career I studied TQM through Salford University. I was a fairly good long distance runner at school and in my late teens and early twenties I trained in Tae Kwon Do.

Your favourite sports or interests I am a Newcastle United football fan and enjoy watching all levels of football. I enjoy live music and seeing Rag and Bone man at the Scarborough outdoor theatre was the best concert I have been to in 40 years. I have just started cycling again and living just a couple of hundred meters away from the coast to coast cycle route I get plenty of good cycle rides with fantastic views. I enjoy DIY and am always on with some kind of project. Since covid we have only holidayed in the UK and every year we stay on the Northumberland coast and North Norfolk where we enjoy good food, good wine and long works with our dogs.

Your biggest regret in life I truly missed my father. He was an engineer and worked all over the world helping to install power stations for CA Parsons. He died when I was very young and I never had him for guidance. I believe I missed a little of life learning when this happened. I must have some of his work genes as I have spent the last 25 years

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working all over the UK for different companies. Work wise it would be working with toxic managers and not having the strength and commitment to walk away from them.

The temptation you can’t resist… That’s easy - tools and gadgets. I have to have a tool for every job even though I might not do that job. I can be reading a paper or watching an advert on TV or see something on Amazon and think OOOH I need that. When in fact I probably don’t. Some tools are a waste of time and money,

but they do look the part. Take for instance the laminate floor cutter, useless. Use a hand or electric saw - much easier.

Someone or something that inspires you My biggest inspiration in my personal life is my mother, she just passed recently and a big part of my life went at the same time. My mother was widowed at 41 yrs old with 4 children still at home. She made sure that we wanted for nothing. She worked 2 jobs, she looked after us, the house, a big garden. She never moaned or felt sorry for

“I joined the industry in 1988. I was just married and my wife was pregnant and I was working away all over the UK installing industrial ventilations in new Matalan buildings. This was not what I wanted with a family on the way.” herself. She instilled in us the need to work. We were never off school or missed a day’s work. My mother could keep in check her 3 sons all over 6ft tall with a wiggle of her finger and a squint in her eye. Her weapon of choice was the old wooden washing tongs. A clatter of them on your shins or top of the head when sitting down kept us in relative order. God bless Loui. Obviously also my wife and daughter inspire me everyday. In my work life I have to say that George Stephenson was not only inspirational he was my mentor. George passed away recently and I can say without his encouragement, trust and guidance I would not be who or where I am today. He invested time, money and patience in me and for that I will be forever grateful.

YOUR CAREER... When and how you joined the industry I joined the industry in 1988. I was just married and my wife was pregnant and I was working away all over the UK installing industrial ventilations in new Matalan buildings. This was not what I wanted with a family on the way. So I started looking for a job in the Consett area where I lived. Advert for a semi skilled worker needed at Romag Security Laminators. I attended an interview with George Stephenson and got the job. I started as an edger and then ended up in the laminating room. Within 6 months chargehand and soon night shift supervisor. I learnt so much and was involved in many new projects including polycarbonate to glass laminate,

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

FACE TO FACE

MACHINERY

J&K REDUCES ROUTING TIME BY 50% WITH KOMBIMATEC, LEADING TO SECOND INVESTMENT Kombimatec is continuing to demonstrate how the right machinery investment, backed by practical support and expertise, can help fabricators improve efficiency, accuracy and profitability, following a successful partnership with Norfolkbased fabricator J&K Glass & Glazing. The family-run business first partnered with Kombimatec through the installation of a CR5650 Trickle Vent Router, which reduced routing times by 50%.

bends laminated and made into IGU. After 8 years at Romag I joined Pilkington Gateshead under George Stephenson who had left Romag. Coming into my 38th year in the glass industry I still wake up wanting to learn something, my passion and enthusiasm have not waned.

The job you do I work for Oz at Flat Glass Solutions as an operations manager. My role is to make sure customers get what they want on time and in full. Parts, services, repairs, deliveries, training and whatever else they ask for. We have a dedicated office in China that we communicate with daily who are able to help very quickly with any issues or questions they may have. We organize regular visits from our Chinese manufacturers, who send over engineers to visit sites to see how things are going. Our European support is exactly the same with all our manufacturers and suppliers. I also like to bring my experience in setting up factories and creating world class performances in IGU manufacture.

Your greatest achievement From a personal point of view my greatest achievement was meeting my wife Julie. We met and married in a 10 week period over 38 years ago and the birth of my daughter has helped me have a great personal life. This is very important as the roles I have had over the years meant working away from home for weeks at a time over 12 years. It helps if you have a strong personal relationship. Work related achievements - I have had a few that make me proud. Going nearly 10 years without a Lost Time Accident at one of Pilkington’s branches gave a great sense of achievement. (It was only closure of the branch that prevented us getting to the ten years!) Getting teams of guys to work together to create world class manufacturing environments gives me immense pleasure. I always want someone on site to become better than me. I see that as a measure of success – being able to leave a site knowing that a new manager, who was already part of

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

the team when I arrived, is ready to step up and take over.

AND YOUR FUTURE... What would you like to do if you weren’t in this industry? To be honest I have had no inclination to leave this industry. I have had ups and downs, highs and lows. I still start my day wanting to learn something and try and pass on help and knowledge to others. The industry is changing dramatically, and I want to still have a part in those changes with a smile and sharing of knowledge and experience. The glass industry has me hooked.

“I always want someone on site to become better than me. I see that as a measure of success – being able to leave a site knowing that a new manager, who was already part of the team when I arrived, is ready to step up and take over.”

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk

The success of that investment, coupled with the hands-on support provided by Kombimatec managing director David Parsons, led J&K to return to the machinery specialist when it came time to upgrade its mitre saw capability. “Accessibility to David and his knowledge is second to none,” said Andrew Chilvers, general manager. “So when we identified the need to update our mitre saw a year after the installation of the vent router, we went straight back to see what Kombimatec could offer in comparison to some of the other machinery suppliers. David Parsons presented them with his DGS500 Electronic Double Mitre Saw. “I admit that when we spoke about it over the phone, it sounded quite complicated,” continued Andrew. “But travelling down to view the machine at Kombimatec’s Leighton Buzzard HQ, I could appreciate the inherent simplicity of the machine and its ease of use. It was clear that it would give us great accuracy and efficiency. Add to that the price tag – coming in at a significantly more sensible price than its closest competitor – and Kombimatec’s proven customer service – the decision was a fait accompli before I had even arrived back in Norfolk.” Since its installation earlier this year, the DGS500 has gained a real fan club across the J&K’s production team, many of whom are family members. “Not only is the machine more accurate, but its ease of use is a hit across all the operatives no matter how experienced they are, or not”, added Andrew. “There’s a flow to the way it carries out each process – accommodating the different ways each operator handles the profile to create a consistent and uniformed result.” Established in the early 1980s by John Engledow, the company has been producing a consistent 100 frames per week (on average), serving the local community, both retail and trade, with products which are manufactured with care and craftsmanship. Having lived through the rise and fall of the super-fabricators, the over confidence in mass automation, and the market being flooded with cheap, substandard components, the company has remained

steadfast in its desire to make windows which are a ‘little bit special’. Lauren Chilvers, director of J&K and daughter of founder John (who to this day is happiest in the company’s glazing department), commented: “Bending with the market is crucial to our evolution and survival, but not at the expense of our core values – that of focusing on the true craft of making a window or door. A major part of this is having that trust in our suppliers, most of whom have been with us over the decades. Our hinge supplier, for example, has been supplying us for over 20 years. We would rather have the confidence and trust, which is then communicated in the same way to our customers.” That doesn’t mean to say that the company doesn’t explore new opportunities with new suppliers – and if it likes what it sees, it applies the same values of trust and loyalty. So when Kombimatec installed a CR5650 Trickle Vent Router, enabling J&K production to reduce its routing process by 50 per cent, all with a pragmatic, hands on support by Kombimatec managing director David Parsons, J&K knew it had found a likeminded supplier for its business. The market is changing, but that does not mean J&K will compromise on its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Most recently the company has noticed that it is getting more and more enquiries coming through from general builders, rather than specialised window fitters, who are retiring without being replaced. Volumes may be reducing, but the orders that are coming in have higher premiums with more bespoke requirements. “Business is as a result remaining relatively steady, and giving us the space to focus on that quality and craftsmanship,” said Lauren Chilvers. “Kombimatec gives us that sense of confidence to create a product which is that little bit special, that elevates the finished look of an installation job, and that will carry J&K through to the next generation of family making windows and doors for this corner of the country.”

53

MACHINERY CENTRAL PLATFORM SERVICES AWARDED SAFECONTRACTOR PART 2 SUSTAINABILITY GOLD VERIFICATION Central Platform Services are delighted to announce they have been awarded SafeContractor Part 2 Sustainability Gold Verification. This achievement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to responsible business practices and continuous improvement, recognising the work we have undertaken to embed sustainability alongside the high standards of service, safety, and compliance our customers have come to expect.

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SALESTRACKER USERS BUILDING PRECISION PROSPECT DATABASES IN MINUTES

At Central Platform Services, we remain committed to investing in our people, improving our processes and supporting a more sustainable future for our customers, employees and industry partners. For more information about our powered access and specialist lifting solutions, please contact our team on 01977 643595, email info@cpslift.com or visit www.cpslift.com.

Certificate of Approval This is to certify that Central Platform Services Ltd t/a CPSLift.com

has achieved SafeContractor approval

Date: 17th July 2026 This certificate is valid until: 25th July 2027 Certificate number: PZ6555

Signed:

Tim Jackson SafeContractor CEO

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SafeContractor Ltd is a UKAS accredited Type C Inspection body under ISO17020:2012 covering the SSIP Core Criteria element of the SafeContractor Assessment Standard. Full Validation of this certification should be made via the SSIP Portal https://www.ssipportal.org.uk/

54

Businesses supplying products and services into the construction and RMI sectors are being urged to take a more proactive approach to credit risk, as economic pressures continue to put strain on companies across the supply chain. According to leading marketing intelligence company Insight Data, demand for the financial trigger alert functionality within its Salestracker platform has increased as more suppliers look for ways to spot potential problems before they affect cashflow and profitability.

The SafeContractor Part 2 Sustainability Verification assesses organisations against a range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, helping businesses demonstrate their commitment to operating in a sustainable and responsible manner. Achieving Gold Verification highlights our dedication to continually improving our sustainability performance while supporting our customers and the wider industry. As a trusted provider of powered access equipment, SmartLift glazing robots, material lifts and specialist lifting solutions, we understand the importance of working responsibly and minimising our environmental impact wherever possible. This accreditation reinforces our commitment to sustainable business practices while continuing to deliver a professional, reliable and high-quality service.

REAL-TIME CREDIT ALERTS: THE SMART WAY TO PROTECT PROFIT AND CASHFLOW

Insight Data, the market intelligence provider, has reported growing use of its Salestracker list-building functionality as sales teams seek to build prospect databases more quickly and with greater accuracy. The marketing growth platform enables users to create targeted prospect lists in minutes, applying filters across a range of live data fields including company type, geography, turnover, employee count, product specialism and decision-maker role. It is designed to help users define a specific audience using verified industry information rather than manually compiling contact lists. Andrew Scott, CEO of Insight Data, said: “Sales teams often spend significant time working from outdated information or researching prospects individually. Salestracker reduces that by allowing users to build a focused list quickly using current, verified data. The result is a clear set of real companies and decision-makers that match the criteria set by the user.”

The feature continuously monitors the financial health of companies held within a user’s customer and prospect database, issuing real-time alerts whenever significant changes occur. These include county court judgments (CCJs), changes in credit ratings and other warning signs that could indicate financial difficulty. For suppliers operating in fastmoving and often unpredictable markets, having access to up-to-date financial intelligence can make a crucial difference. Andrew Scott, CEO of Insight Data, said: “The construction sector has faced a turbulent few years and many businesses are still feeling the effects. While most customers remain reliable, it only takes one bad debt to have a serious impact on margins and cashflow. “The challenge is that financial problems rarely appear overnight. There are usually

warning signs along the way. Real-time credit alerts help businesses identify those signals early and make informed decisions before a situation escalates.” The alerts are delivered directly through the Salestracker platform, giving sales, credit control and management teams immediate visibility of any changes affecting customers or prospects. As well as highlighting increased risk, the functionality can also reveal new opportunities. For example, a prospect that has improved its credit rating or settled a CCJ may become a more attractive trading partner than previously thought. Andrew Scott added: “Access to timely information changes the way businesses manage customer relationships. What once required hours of manual research can now be monitored automatically, helping businesses protect revenue while focusing their efforts where they will have the greatest impact.” For building products manufacturers, distributors and service providers operating in an increasingly challenging market, real-time credit monitoring is becoming an essential part of managing risk and safeguarding growth. To find out more about Salestracker and its financial trigger alert functionality, visit Insight Data at www.insightdata.co.uk.

The functionality is supported by Insight Data’s continuously updated databases covering Architects, Small Builders, Large Construction Firms (£5m+) Builders’ Merchants and Fenestration. Data is maintained by an in-house research team that carries out regular verification checks and ongoing updates to company and contact records. Accurate data underpins effective prospecting, with the aim of giving sales teams direct access to reliable information so they can build relevant pipelines without additional processing or external support. Salestracker is available as part of Insight Data’s subscription platform. For more information about Salestracker and Insight Data, contact www.insightdata.co.uk.

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ALUMINIUM SLIDERS DRAW LEVEL WITH BIFOLDS AS HOMEOWNER TASTES EVOLVE Latest figures from Tommy Trinder reveal a significant milestone in the aluminium door market; sliding patio doors now account for exactly half of all aluminium slider and bifold sales by value. Based on quoting activity from hundreds of installers using the Tommy Trinder platform, aluminium sliding doors have steadily gained ground over the past two years and have now reached parity with bifolds. “We’ve been watching sliders close the gap for some time,” says Tommy Trinder founder and CEO Chris Brunsdon. “Now they’ve caught up. It’s a fascinating moment because bifolds have dominated the market for well over a decade, but homeowners are increasingly valuing the uninterrupted views, slimmer sightlines and hassle-free operation that

modern aluminium sliders deliver.” The trend reflects a broader maturation of the aluminium market. Once regarded as a specialist product, aluminium is now firmly mainstream, with more installers offering comprehensive aluminium ranges than ever before. “Competition has intensified as adoption has grown,” Chris continues. “That has helped make aluminium more accessible, while continued innovation in sliding door systems has made them an increasingly compelling option for both contemporary new-builds and renovation projects.” The figures also underline the importance of presentation during the sales process. Premium products continue to perform strongly when homeowners can properly visualise them. “Large aluminium sliders are an aspirational purchase,” says Chris. “If you can show a homeowner exactly how a four, five or six-panel slider will transform the rear of their property, the conversation changes completely. The ability to present products photo realistically using

Tommy’s ‘Bring It To Life’ feature then output highly professional proposals gives installers a real advantage when selling higher-value installations.” Commenting on the robustness of the findings, Chris adds: “More than 700 window companies now use Tommy every day to prepare quotations, from independent installers to national businesses across the UK. While our customer base naturally leans towards companies that embrace premium products and modern selling techniques, it provides one of the clearest real-time indicators of changing homeowner demand.” For installers, the message is clear: aluminium bifolds remain hugely popular, but sliding doors are no longer the challenger. Today, they’re an equal player in the premium patio market. To find out more about the platform and its benefits visit the main site www.tommytrinder.com.

Living the dream - showing off an ali slider using Tommy’s Bring It To Life feature

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August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

INSIGHT DATA ANNOUNCES INTERACTIVE KÖMMERLING LAUNCHES FREE PLANNING SOFTWARE TO SIMPLIFY SALESTRACKER BREAKOUT SESSIONS AT EDGE FUTURE HOMES COMPLIANCE Kömmerling has launched an advanced new Planning Software platform designed to help fabricators and installers navigate the increasing complexity of compliance under the Future Homes Standard. The web-based platform allows users to assess windows and doors on an individual basis, reflecting the requirement for products to be evaluated by exact specification rather than through standard model calculations. For those operating across the commercial sector in particular, where compliance requirements are becoming more detailed and projectspecific, the software offers a significant step forward. Available free of charge to all Kömmerling fabricators and installers, as well as architects and specifiers, the platform enables users to configure and assess a wide range of Kömmerling systems, including casement, flush and tilt and turn windows across the Kömmerling 70, Kömmerling Flush and Kömmerling 76 ranges. A range of doors including patio, lift and slide, balcony and residential options are also included from systems such as the PremiLine and PremiDoor lines. The planning software is available via the Kömmerling website through the dedicated Planning Software portal, where users can register by completing a short form. Users can configure products in detail, making their selection from a broad selection of profiles and ancillaries, including frame, sash, mullion and bead options, as well as multiple glazing specifications, opening combinations, colours and spacer bar types. Reinforcement sections can also be added or removed

independently for each side of the frame. As changes are made, the software dynamically recalculates U-values in real time, while an intuitive traffic light system highlights whether the chosen specification sits within Kömmerling design parameters. Explaining more, Gareth Parton, Sales & Marketing Director at Kömmerling UK said: “The Future Homes Standard is fundamentally changing the way windows and doors are assessed and specified, particularly within commercial and large-scale residential developments. This software has been developed to make that process significantly easier and more accessible for our customers. “It gives manufacturers, installers and specifiers the ability to configure products in precise detail, instantly understand the performance implications of those changes, and work with confidence that systems remain within Kömmerling design parameters. “Because the platform is web-based and continually updated, it will evolve alongside both regulations and our product portfolio, ensuring customers always have access to the latest systems and functionality. Our manufacturing partners can also operate the system with their own branding and full administrative control.” Alongside configuration and compliance functionality, the platform also offers a range of export capabilities including BIM models, STEP files for animation and X and Y section CAD drawings in both PDF and DXF formats. Further developments are already planned over the coming months, including the integration of the WarmCore platform, Kömmerling VS, and wind loading calculations by postcode. To get started, visit www.kommerling.co.uk and access the Planning Software portal to complete your registration, www.koemmerling.com/en/service/ planning-software/.

On Thursday 17 September 2026, attendees of EDGE by Insight Data will take part in a series of Salestracker practical breakout sessions to learn how to drive real business growth via this comprehensive sales and marketing platform. Built specifically for the building products and home improvement sectors, Salestracker allows sales teams, marketeers, business leaders and service professionals to operate at the highest level without the constraints of out-dated systems. The software can work alongside existing CRM software or can replace it entirely. During the one-day masterclass, dedicated breakout sessions will provide hands-on demonstrations and practical guidance tailored to specific business objectives. Attendees will also learn how to get more from Salestracker, whether they are existing users or exploring it for the first time.

Sales-focused sessions will demonstrate how to identify and prioritise opportunities, manage activity and improve pipeline visibility. Marketing teams will discover how live market intelligence can support more targeted campaigns and lead generation, while business leaders will gain insight into how the platform can support commercial decision-making and growth planning. Andrew Scott, CEO of Insight Data, said: “Understanding what software can do is one thing. Seeing how it can work for your

business is something else entirely. We know many businesses are only using a fraction of Salestracker’s capabilities, so we’ve planned interactive breakout sessions at EDGE to combat this. Attendees will work closely with our experts to learn how to use the platform more effectively and to make sure they’re applying it to their day-to-day roles.” Unlike a traditional software demonstration, the breakout sessions are designed to be interactive, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, explore real-world scenarios and gain practical advice from the Insight Data team. The aim is to ensure every delegate leaves with ideas and actions they can take back to their business. The sessions form part of a wider programme that includes keynote presentations, live product demonstrations, networking opportunities and the EDGE Awards. To find out more or register for tickets today, visit www.insightedge.co.uk.

SOMETHING BIG IS COMING – AND ATTENDEES AT EDGE BY INSIGHT DATA WILL HEAR IT FIRST Insight Data has confirmed that EDGE by Insight Data will be the stage for some of the most significant product announcements in the company’s 20-year history. The details remain under wraps for now, but attendees at the one-day business growth event on September 17 will be first to see a series of major new developments for Salestracker, Insight Data’s powerful sales and marketing platform used by businesses across the fenestration, construction and home improvement sectors. The exclusive launches will take place live at EDGE, giving delegates an opportunity to see the technology in action and hear directly from the team behind its development. Andrew Scott, Founder and CEO of Insight Data, said: “We’ve been working on some

Andrew Scott, CEO of Insight Data

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

Andrew Scott, CEO of Insight Data

exciting new developments for a long time and EDGE felt like the right place to unveil them. The businesses attending are the ones investing in their future, so it’s only right that they get to see what’s coming first. “I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but I can say that these announcements will be worth the wait.” Already trusted by hundreds of businesses, Salestracker combines market intelligence, prospect data, sales pipeline management, email marketing and unique customer monitoring functionality. The forthcoming announcements are expected to enhance its capabilities even further. For existing customers, EDGE offers a chance to see what’s next before anyone else and discover new ways to get even more from the growth platform. For ambitious business owners who are not yet using Salestracker, the event provides an opportunity to see first-hand why so many companies rely on Insight Data to drive growth. The announcements may still be a secret, but one thing is clear: EDGE attendees will hear them first! Places are limited. To secure tickets, visit www.insightedge.co.uk.

57

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MAKING TAX DIGITAL: TWO WEEKS TO THE 7 AUGUST DEADLINE

SUBBIES WHO HAVEN’T STARTED CAN STILL BE FILED AND FINISHED IN UNDER AN HOUR More than 864,000 sole traders and landlords have until 7 August 2026 to send HMRC their first quarterly update under Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. Among them are hundreds of thousands of construction subcontractors: the fitters, plasterers, sparkies, brickies and groundworkers paid under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Plenty of them have not started. With two weeks to go, the job is a lot smaller than the noise around it. With invoices and expenses to hand, a subbie can get the whole quarter into CIS Invoice and submitted in under an hour. Most will do it quicker. The first thing to know is what the update is not.

IT IS NOT A TAX RETURN It is a short summary of income and expenses for 6 April to 5 July, sent straight to HMRC through recognised software. No forms, no accountant’s waiting room, no shoebox of receipts. Some report on calendar quarters instead, 1

April to 30 June. Either way the deadline is 7 August. “We hear the same thing on every site. The wife does my invoices at the weekend. That worked when it was once a year. It doesn’t work when HMRC wants a summary every three months. Do the invoice on the phone when you come off site and the quarterly update builds itself. She gets her Saturdays back and you get a proper set of records.” Paul Edwards, founder, Aperture Works CIS Invoice, recognised by HMRC as compatible software, was built for the trade and MTD tax scheme. There is no chart of accounts, no bank reconciliation and no bookkeeping language to learn. A subbie who has never touched accounting software can send a compliant invoice within minutes of downloading it. The workflow is the one they already use. Pick the days worked, set a day rate, price or hourly rate, and the app handles the CIS deduction, 20%for registered subcontractors, and puts it plainly on the PDF the contractor gets. Come quarter end, the app has already totalled every invoice and every expense. Submitting to HMRC is a case of checking the numbers and pressing one button. Submitting costs nothing. The MTD submission is free on both

THE EVERYDAY ONE

How to create a CIS invoice

THE EVERYDAY ONE

B4K2XN

How to create a CIS invoice

On the tools with CIS deducted? This is your everyday invoice, from first tap to sent PDF. ✓

✓

!

Your details

Settings ➜ Business Details. Goes on every invoice.

1

Day rate

Settings ➜ Set Pricing. Auto-fills every job.

Keeps CIS at 20%. No UTR means 30% off!

Tap + ➜ Invoice.

1

Customer ➜ name, address & postcode.

3

Work Details ➜ Select Work Dates.

4

Tap a day ➜ add the job.

5

Tax ➜ Apply CIS Deduction (20%) ON.

Bank details

Settings ➜ Bank Details. No excuse not to pay you.

✓

Saved automatically for next time.

Settings ➜ Business Details. Goes on every invoice.

add your customer

Ref, description, then Day Rate, Hourly Rate or Amount. Copy to All fills the rest.

3

✓

!

Your details

Select the days you worked on the calendar.

start here

✓

UTR number

Day rate

Bank details

Settings ➜ Set Pricing. Auto-fills every job.

Keeps CIS at 20%. No UTR means 30% off!

Settings ➜ Bank Details. No excuse not to pay you.

4

Save, then Share as a PDF.

1

Straight to WhatsApp or email.

The app does the maths: CIS comes off your labour only. The deduction shows clearly on the PDF, so your contractor knows exactly what to pay.

3

2

select your days

price up the job Paid in dribs and drabs? Open the invoice and tap Record Payment. The app tracks what's left and marks it Partially Paid.

5 6

flick CIS on

send it anywhere

your first one takes 3 minutes, tops! cis-invoice.co.uk

tiers. Records stay on the user’s own phone and nothing passes through Aperture Works servers.

select Labour type

4

Many subbies are handing the problem to an accountant or a bookkeeper. That is a fair choice, but it is not a shortcut. The accountant still cannot file anything without the underlying records, and most are taking the client on for the year rather than fixing a single quarter.

HMRC has confirmed that NO penalty points will be issued for late quarterly updates during the first year of MTD for Income Tax. Penalties still apply for late Self-Assessment returns and late payments. From year two, a points-based system starts. One point per

6

5

Tax: flick CIS ON

Save, then Share the PDF

add job details i

WHAT HMRC HAS SAID ABOUT PENALTIES

tick the days you worked

add your customer

! Paid in dribs and drabs? Open the invoice and tap Record Payment. The app tracks what's left and marks it Partially Paid.

T he app does the maths: CIS comes off your labour only. The deduction shows clearly on the PDF, so your contractor knows exactly what to pay.

your first one takes 3 minutes, tops! cis-invoice.co.uk

missed quarterly deadline, and a £200 fixed penalty once four points build up. Points expire after a period of compliance. So, there is no fine for a late first update. But the quarterly update does not replace the annual tax return, which is still due by 31 January.

employment and property who has not yet signed up can still do so on GOV.UK: gov.uk/guidance/ sign-up-for-making-tax-digitalfor-income-tax CIS Invoice links straight to the sign-up page from inside the app, then walks users through connecting to HMRC with their Government Gateway login and National Insurance number.

Full HMRC release: gov.uk/ government/news/deadlineapproaches-for-first-making-taxdigital-quarterly-update “There’s a lot of worry about this and most of it is premature. There’s no fine this year. What has actually changed is that the records have to exist from now on. And nobody is going to learn an accounts package in a fortnight. The big packages are built for businesses with a bookkeeper. This one is built for a fitter with a phone and a day rate.” Paul Edwards, founder, Aperture Works

58

B4K2XN

On the tools with CIS deducted? This is your everyday invoice, from first tap to sent PDF.

2

New invoices start as a Labour invoice. That's the CIS one.

2

6

✓

UTR number

THE 7 AUGUST DEADLINE IS ONLY THE START MTD extends to those earning more than £30,000 from April 2027, and more than £20,000 from April 2028. That pulls in a far larger share of the UK’s selfemployed construction workforce. If you can send an invoice, you can send a quarterly update.

NOT SIGNED UP YET?

CIS Invoice is free to download. Search “CIS Invoice” on the App Store or Google Play.

Anyone with combined qualifying income over £50,000 from self-

Or following the link from our website https://cis-invoice.co.uk/

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

PRESENTING DESIGNS WITH VISIROOM When a customer is considering making a change to their home, choosing the right design can be difficult. Drawings, samples and showroom displays can be useful but they do not always make it easy to picture how the finished product would look at home. Wouldn’t it be useful if you could show them the proposed design in the setting that matters most.

own environment. The visualisation is based on the design created in vsHome, carrying across key details such as dimensions and materials. VisiRoom includes three viewing modes which are designed to allow for different ways of interacting with the model. In Real Scale mode, customers can preview their design at full scale, accurately placed against their property. The app detects horizontal and vertical surfaces to help position the model. Once placed, users can walk around it, view it from different angles and also step inside to understand the space better. Tabletop mode is designed for situations

where the user is away from home. It allows the same designed to be viewed on a flat surface such as a table, making it easy to move, rotate and zoom in on details whilst on the go or in the showroom. Virtual Reality mode is available for use with a compatible VR headset. It provides an immersive way to explore the design, although it is typically used less frequently than the mobile and tablet modes due to the need for the headset.

VisiRoom is free to download for both retailers and customers, with no specialised equipment required for the mobile or tablet experience. By allowing designs to be viewed in context before any work begins, VisiRoom helps customers better understand the proposed project and gives retailers a more effective way to present and communicate their designs.

VisiRoom is an augmented reality app that allows retailers to do exactly that. A retailer creates the customer’s design in vsHome and can then either present it directly during an appointment or share it by text message, email or QR code. The customer or retailer can then open the design in the free VisiRoom app on a compatible iOS or Android device and view the model in their

“By allowing designs to be viewed in context before any work begins, VisiRoom helps customers better understand the proposed project and gives retailers a more effective way to present and communicate their designs.” www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

59

AWARDS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

STEEL WINDOW FITTINGS RECOGNISED WITH SWA’S ASSOCIATED AWARD 2026 Steel Window Fittings has won the Associated Award at the 2026 Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards; recognising the company’s pivotal role in supporting with one of the industry’s standout projects. Presented at the third annual SWA Awards in London, the accolade highlights the contribution of the company’s specialist ironmongery which was specified in two of the winning projects. The first project announced was Commercial Project of the Year: The Chancery Rosewood Hotel, with West Leigh, where Steel Window Fittings supplied contemporary multi-point locking mechanisms and fitted B310 hinges to provide adjustability for the large windows while preserving their original appearance. The second project, Domestic Project of the Year; The Cotswold Casement Company for its work on the restoration of Westcote Hall, one of Northamptonshire’s most significant historic country houses. The project involved the sensitive refurbishment of a multi‑phase historic building, balancing heritage requirements with improved performance and usability. The recognition underlines Steel Window Fittings’ growing influence within the steel

window and door sector where highperformance hardware plays a critical role in delivering both aesthetic and functional success across a wide variety of building types. MD of Steel Window Fittings James Barrett said “We are very pleased to be recognised for contributing to both the Domestic and Commercial Project winners. The two winning projects are very different and its shows the specialty and the range of hardware that Steel Window Fittings designs and manufactures that is required to be used on such unique and differing buildings. The Chancery Rosewood Hotel presented challenges regarding the hardware, as the original handles needed to be retained and reused. We successfully integrated these with the W50TB concealed multipoint locking

Domestic Project of the Year winner is Westcote Hall in Northampton, a large country house with origins from the 17th century, by The Cotswold Casement Company. Image credit: Pete Helme.

system, enhancing the building’s weather performance while ensuring full operability with the original handles. Fully adjustable B310 brass hinges were also utilised to facilitate both installation and the smooth operation of the windows.” James continues “Westcote Hall highlights the craftsmanship and versatility of the traditional hardware. To complement the steel window’s ultra-thin sightlines, a window handle replicating that of the original period was selected from our range of hardware. The B205 Scroll Key-Locking window handles were fitted as part of a traditional duplex system. A traditional duplex system offers two locking points on taller windows for improved security and a tighter weather seal. To complete the window setup, the B375 peg stays with the accompanying brackets were selected to enhance security and provide restriction options for the windows. Steel Window Fittings’ innovative multipoint concealed locking was fitted to the doors for upgraded safety and strong sealing to protect from harsh weather and potential heat loss. The concealed system is unobtrusive and does not impede the heritage style of the property. In addition, our B300 hinges were chosen for the doors as they are specially designed to hold the force of steel, whilst allowing for easy fitting, smooth movement and precise adjustment while fitted to the door. To match the frames, all window handles, duplex systems and peg stays were finished in Antique Black.”

Commercial Project of the Year winner is The Chancery Rosewood Hotel, formerly the United States Embassy in London, a Grade II-listed building in London, by West Leigh.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE DRIVING PROJECT SUCCESS Founded in 2011, Steel Window Fittings, a member of SWA, is a specialist supplier of hardware solutions for steel windows and doors, supporting new‑build, refurbishment and replacement projects across both heritage and contemporary settings. Its products are widely specified by manufacturers, architects and contractors seeking durable, compliant and design‑led fittings for steel fenestration systems. With more than a decade of specialist expertise, the company continues to focus on developing technically advanced, design‑conscious solutions to meet the evolving demands of the steel window sector. For further information on the Steel Window Association or, if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk.

ATLAS ALUMINIUM’S TRANSFORMATION EARNS TWO NFA 2026 SHORTLIST NOMINATIONS Just eighteen months after its relaunch as an independent business, Atlas Aluminium has been named as a finalist in two categories of the National Fenestration Awards 2026 – ‘Aluminium Fabricator of the Year’ and ‘Bi-Folding Door Manufacturer of the Year’ – true recognition of the investments it has made to deliver unrivalled support to its trade partners. Atlas Aluminium’s managementbacked acquisition in December 2024 marked a new chapter for the business. Since then, Atlas Aluminium, a leading supplier of aluminium doors, window and glazed roof systems, has made significant investments in its capabilities and improvements to its operations. One of the core strengths of Atlas Aluminium is its people.

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Its skilled team of over 200 has a wealth of experience in aluminium glazing systems, with many team members having built long careers within aluminium fabrication. Around 28 percent of employees have been with Atlas Aluminium for more than ten

years, and the longest-serving team member has 35 years’ experience. This experience supports customers who need technical guidance and a supplier that understands the demands of aluminium fabrication. To deliver the reliable service that so many trade customers rely on, Atlas Aluminium has made investments in its production and distribution capabilities. With team members within production trained across different product areas, Atlas can quickly respond to customer requirements while maintaining standards. All this means better technical support and shorter lead times across the range, with nationwide delivery and real-time tracking also offering partners added piece of mind that their order will be delivered on-time, in-full.

Jamie Newall, CEO at Atlas Aluminium said: “The last eighteen months is proof it is possible to retain the best of the past while building a new, stronger identity. Being shortlisted in two National Fenestration Awards categories is recognition of our razor-sharp focus on our customers. Since relaunching as an independent business, we have listened to our customers and made improvements that are having a positive impact on their business. It is encouraging to see that recognised by the industry.”

The business is now asking for backing from customers and trade partners in the form of votes in these categories, the winners of which are decided completely by those in the industry. Every vote in the National Fenestration Awards can make a difference and voting closes Friday 18th September at 5pm. To submit your votes, visit www. fenestrationawards.co.uk/nfa26. To find out more about Atlas Aluminium visit www.atlas-aluminium.co.uk.

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COLD CALLING

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DANNY WILLIAMS

‘COLD CALLING’ Each month our special correspondent Danny Williams* replies to a reader’s letter...

THE DISCOUNT DISEASE My loyal reader… If you’ve been reading my rants since I first started writing them back in 2010, you’ll know there’s one subject I’ve returned to time and time again. In fact, I’d go as far as to say you’ve probably become as bored of hearing me bang on about discounting as I have become of watching companies make exactly the same mistakes year after year. Yet here we are again, because despite sixteen years of warnings, our industry still hasn’t learned the lesson. The difference this time is that the stakes are considerably higher. We’re not operating in a buoyant market where everyone is chasing the last few orders before Christmas. We’re in one of the toughest trading environments I’ve seen for many years. Retail installers are struggling, fabricators are feeling the squeeze, systems companies aren’t exactly popping champagne corks either, and homeowners seem determined to keep their hands firmly in their pockets. Even those with healthy savings are earning decent interest and don’t see any urgency to spend money replacing windows and doors, while others remain reluctant to take on finance because consumer confidence continues to bump along the bottom.

presented your products, explained the specification, answered objections and built a relationship. Then the customer says those familiar words: “We’ll have a think about it.” Suddenly the room goes quiet. Most people hate silence because silence creates tension, and human beings are naturally wired to relieve discomfort as quickly as possible. Instead of asking another question, reinforcing the benefits of the product or reminding the customer why quality installation matters, far too many salespeople reach instinctively for the calculator. “If you sign tonight, I might be able to knock another two thousand pounds off.” It feels like progress because something has changed. The customer reacts, the conversation moves forward and everyone feels as though they’re getting somewhere. Psychologically, it’s an easy escape route. Commercially, however, it can be disastrous. And rather than it being a one-off it becomes part of the routine: you got one over the line by chopping the price, why not do it every time? Easypeasy, right?

Instead, too many businesses seem intent on giving it away. And at every level too, including one of the big remaining syscos, according to my sources.

I’ve always believed that unmanaged discounting is little more than laziness dressed up as salesmanship. It is far easier to reduce the price than it is to improve your sales presentation. It is easier to sacrifice margin than explain value. It is easier to discount than persuade a homeowner that buying the right windows and doors, properly manufactured and professionally installed, is worth paying a reasonable price for.

What fascinates me is that discounting is rarely about the customer. I honestly believe it’s about the salesperson or business owner losing their nerve. Think about the typical sales appointment. You’ve spent a couple of hours in someone’s home, you’ve

I’m not suggesting discounts should never exist. Every business occasionally makes strategic pricing decisions. You might have stock to clear, excess factory capacity to fill or a particularly attractive commercial opportunity that justifies a

Against that backdrop, you’d think every penny of margin would be guarded like the Crown Jewels.

tighter margin. Those decisions can make perfect commercial sense because they’re calculated.

machinery and provides the cash reserves that keep businesses alive when markets inevitably become difficult.

That’s the crucial word.

Like now.

Calculated.

This industry doesn’t need more orders at any price. It needs profitable orders. There is a world of difference between the two.

The problem isn’t discounting itself. It’s unmanaged discounting. How many companies genuinely know what every percentage point of discount costs them? How many salespeople understand exactly how much gross profit disappears when they casually knock another five or ten per cent off a quotation? More importantly, how many businesses calculate what that order will actually contribute after overheads, labour, transport, warranty provision, installation costs and every other expense have been properly accounted for? Instead, discounts become habitual. Someone decides ten per cent sounds reasonable because they’ve always offered ten per cent. Then another customer pushes harder, so fifteen per cent appears. Before long, twenty per cent becomes the starting point rather than the exception, and nobody can remember what the real selling price was supposed to be in the first place. That isn’t pricing. It’s gambling. And in larger firms, it’s bad management. The irony is that the companies shouting loudest about how busy they are, are often the very businesses making the least money. I’ve watched it happen throughout my career. Plenty of companies have boasted about record turnover while quietly eroding their profits with unnecessary discounting. They become busier and busier, yet somehow poorer and poorer at the same time. Turnover might massage the ego, but profit pays the wages, replaces the vans, buys the

The companies that will emerge strongest from this downturn won’t necessarily be the cheapest. They’ll be the ones that have had the confidence to defend their prices by offering better products, better service, better installation, better communication and a better customer experience. They’ll have convinced homeowners that value isn’t measured solely by the figure at the bottom of the quotation. That’s called selling. Everything else is simply negotiating against yourself. The market will recover eventually. Consumer confidence always comes back, interest rates will settle, and homeowners will once again start investing in their properties. The tragedy is that not every company currently operating will still be around to benefit when that happens. Some will disappear, not because they couldn’t generate enquiries or close sales, but because they steadily gave away the very thing that would have carried them through the downturn. So yes, after sixteen years of writing this stuff, I’m afraid you’re going to have to indulge me one more time. Stop reaching for the calculator. Start defending your value. Because in today’s market, margin isn’t a luxury. It’s the difference between commercial life and death.

* Danny Williams is managing director of Chelmsford based Pioneer Trading and has been involved with all aspects of the windows and doors industry for 30 years. His activities include manufacturing a full range of windows and doors in PVC-U and aluminium, an IGU facility, retailing and commercial contracting.

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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

NEW APPOINTMENTS

ERA REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO TESTING SUPPORT AND CERTIFICATION WITH NEW APPOINTMENT ERA, a leading manufacturer of fenestration products, has strengthened its commitment to providing industryleading testing and certification support with the addition of a new team member as part of Quanex Hardware Solutions. Dan Knight joins Quanex Hardware Solutions as Certification Manager and will play a key role in advancing ERA’s independent Test Laboratory in the West Midlands. His appointment supports the company’s continued commitment to ensuring its product portfolio meets

both UK and international compliance, certification, and testing standards. With a decade of experience in the hardware sector, Dan has developed extensive expertise in new product development, regulatory compliance and product testing. In his role at Quanex Hardware Solutions, he leads the management of the company’s UKASaccredited UK testing laboratory. Operating from ERA’s advanced i54 facility, Dan is responsible for the independent testing and verification of products for both ERA and Zoo Hardware, as well as providing broader compliance support and fenestration solutions to customers across the industry. Dan’s appointment follows Quanex’s purchase of the Tyman group in August 2024, which includes the brands ERA and Zoo Hardware. The two UK brands now sit alongside Giesse and Reguitti under Quanex Hardware Solutions.

Speaking of his new role, Dan said: “Having our own testing facility is a key differentiator for ERA, allowing us to completely control the process of making sure our products are fully compliant, perform well and operate safely, giving us confidence to go into the market. “Established in 2007, the fully equipped facility provides independent and confidential assessments for windows and doors. As we look to continue our growth in this area, we are investing more in new equipment and providing our talented team with increased training opportunities to ensure we are compliant across all sectors and maintain the highest levels of testing quality, strengthening the trust we have built with our UK customers. “Compliance is a key market expectation and for customers in the UK, there is a real benefit of working with a supplier with a global outlook on this.” Experienced engineers can provide an indicative report or a full UKAS accredited

Dan Knight

report for casement and sash windows, and single and double doors to the latest British and European Standards. The test laboratory UKAS verification means products tested are subject to a series of rigorous thirdparty accredited endurance assessments. It is also managed independently, ensuring testing remains confidential for customers who use this service. For further information on ERA’s diverse hardware portfolio, please visit www.eraeverywhere.com or email info@eraeverywhere.com.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

NEW APPOINTMENTS

HÖRMANN APPOINTS NEW TRADE DOOR SALES MANAGER

KENRICK FURTHER STRENGTHENS SALES TEAM WITH NEW APPOINTMENT

Hörmann has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Andrew Vodden as Trade Door Sales Manager for its Hörmann Truedor composite door range. Covering the Southern Counties and Wales, Andrew joins the business at a significant time as Hörmann continues to drive forward its ambitious growth plans within the UK composite door market. With more than 30 years’ experience across the construction and fenestration industries, Andrew brings extensive expertise in trade sales, customer relationship management and business development. Having held senior sales roles within the door and window sector, he has developed a strong understanding of both the exterior and interior door markets, alongside a reputation for delivering outstanding customer support. Throughout his career, Andrew has worked closely with installers, fabricators, trade counters and merchant customers, helping to build long-term partnerships and deliver sustainable sales growth. In his new role, Andrew will focus on expanding Hörmann Truedor’s trade presence across the South of England and Wales, supporting existing customers while identifying new opportunities within the installer and fabricator sectors.

www.glassnews.co.uk | August 2026

Longstanding hardware manufacturer Kenrick has further strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Mike Grant as Regional Sales Manager for the South.

Andrew Vodden

Speaking about his appointment, Andrew said, “I’m delighted to be joining Hörmann Truedor at such an exciting time. The strength of the Hörmann brand, combined with Hörmann Truedor’s extensive UK manufactured composite door range, provides a fantastic platform to support trade customers and help grow their door sales. I’m looking forward to meeting customers, building strong relationships and helping develop the business across the region.” Hörmann Truedor continues to invest in its composite door trade offering, with a strong focus on UK manufacturing, product quality, customer service, and long-term customer support For further information on Hörmann Truedor visit Composite Front Doors Hörmann Truedor or call 01530 516868.

Mike joins Kenrick with many years of experience in window and door hardware and will be responsible for supporting fabricators and customers across the South of England. Having held business development roles with leading hardware suppliers, he is well known throughout the industry and brings extensive product knowledge alongside long-established customer relationships. Commenting on the appointment, Suzanne Nicholl, Sales and Marketing Director at Kenrick, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to Kenrick. He has an excellent reputation within the industry and brings a wealth of experience, strong customer relationships and

a genuine understanding of what fabricators need from their hardware supplier. His appointment is another important step in strengthening our sales team as we continue to grow the business.” Mike’s decision to join Kenrick was driven by the opportunity to become part of a long-established, familyrun business with a strong reputation for quality, service and product innovation. Commenting on his new role, Mike said: “I’m pleased to be joining Kenrick at such an exciting time. Throughout my career I’ve always known Kenrick as a respected hardware manufacturer with a strong reputation to supporting customers.” He continued: “What really attracted me to the business was its family values and the commitment everyone has to delivering the highest levels of service. It’s refreshing to join a company where relationships genuinely

Mike Grant

matter and where there is a clear vision for growth. I’m looking forward to working closely with fabricators and distribution partners across the South whilst developing new business opportunities.” Mike’s appointment forms part of Kenrick’s ongoing growth strategy as the company continues to invest in its people and products to strengthen its sales presence across the UK. Suzanne concludes: “As our business continues to grow, investing in experienced people is essential. Mike’s knowledge of the market and his customer-focused approach make him an excellent addition to the team.” www.kenricks.co.uk

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Emmegi (UK) Limited UnitLimited 14, Spitfire Close Coventry Business Park - CV5 6UR Coventry Emmegi Emmegi (UK) Emmegi (UK) Emmegi (UK) Limited Emmegi Unit Limited 14, (UK) Emmegi Unit Spitfire (UK) Limited Unit 14, Limited 14, Spitfire (UK) Close Emmegi Unit Spitfire Limited Unit Coventry 14, Close 14, Spitfire (UK) Close Unit Coventry Spitfire Business Limited Coventry 14, Close Spitfire Close Business Unit Coventry Park Business Coventry 14, Close - CV5 Spitfire Park Business Coventry Park 6UR Business - CV5 Close Coventry - CV5 Park 6UR Business Coventry Park 6UR Coventry - CV5 Coventry - CV5 Park 6UR Business 6UR Coventry - CV5 Coventry Park 6UR Coventry - CV5 6UR Coventry Tel. +44 2476 -Tel. Fax. +44 2476 677 381 www.emmegi.com - info.uk@emmegi.com Tel.676 +44192 Tel. 2476 +44 676 +44 2476 192 Tel. 2476 676 -Tel. +44 Fax. 676 192 +44 2476 +44 192 -Tel. 2476 Fax. 676 2476 -+44 Fax. 676 +44 192 677 2476 +44 192 2476 -Tel. 381 Fax. 676 2476 -+44 677 Fax. www.emmegi.com +44 192 677 2476 381 +44 2476 - 381 Fax. www.emmegi.com 676 2476 677 www.emmegi.com +44 192 677 381 2476 - 381 Fax. www.emmegi.com - info.uk@emmegi.com 677 www.emmegi.com +44381 2476 - info.uk@emmegi.com www.emmegi.com - info.uk@emmegi.com 677 381 - info.uk@emmegi.com www.emmegi.com - info.uk@emmegi.com - info.uk@emmegi.com - info.uk@emmegi.com

August 2026 | www.glassnews.co.uk

INSIGHT EDGE HAS ARRIVED!

N I S S A L C R E T S A MA & G N I T E K R A SALES, M H T W O R G S BUSINES with Andrew Scott

BOOK NOW!! Spaces are limited. Book now to avoid disappointment.

The new growth event for the glass and glazing industry Insight EDGE is a practical one-day workshop where delegates will leave inspired and equipped with the skills, mindset and blueprint to dominate existing market and exploit new ones. In one day, your team will build a clear, actionable plan to grow revenue, improve margins and outperform competitors using proven frameworks, real-world strategies and live commercial insight.

Designed exclusively for:

Directors and Managers

Marketing Teams

Field and Office Sales

Customer Service

Book your tickets at insightedge.co.uk and take your sales, marketing and leadership team

by insightdata

T: 01934 808 293 | edge@insightdata.co.uk