As the UK’s exclusive supply partner of Graf Synergy machines, Haffner delivers the seamless weld machine innovation to take your business to the next level.
• Superior transom welding quality
• V-Perfect ® transom welding technology
• Weld seam elimination
• Suitable for both V Joints and Butt Joints
• Precision accuracy - delivering a perfect weld every time
• Faster, automated fabrication
Discover more of the benefits of Graf Synergy machines from Haffner WINNER
The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has highlighted the Government’s publication of the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus: Consultation Document, issued in December. The proposals set out significant changes for the construction sector to ensure products are genuinely fit for purpose and meet the performance levels claimed when built and supplied.
As the consultation deadline is upon us, it is increasingly clear that the fenestration sector must prepare. Richard Sellman, Managing Director of BFRC, explains: “Our aim is not to alarm or scaremonger. We want to raise awareness of an emerging issue that could create challenges for businesses who may not realise that their products are not fully meeting the required standards.
Best of intentions
“Most companies affected are reputable manufacturers following recognised production, testing and certification procedures. However, our Onsite Testing team continues to identify products that are underperforming in realworld conditions. Their field measurements –taken across both newly installed and longserviced Insulating Glass Units (IGUs) and façade systems – show recurring performance issues that many manufacturers and installers are unaware of.
“As scrutiny from builders and site managers increases, we’re receiving a growing number of requests to verify the performance of installed products before project completion. A significant proportion of these checks reveal underfilled IGUs. This is far from ideal, particularly for manufacturers who expect gas retention levels to be correct at the point of installation. Encouragingly, we also encounter IGUs in service for more than 20 years that still retain over 90% argon, demonstrating that longterm performance is entirely achievable when manufacturing processes ensure gastight construction and correct filling.
“To support energy efficiency targets and building control requirements, we believe greater focus is needed at the end of the manufacturing line to ensure every unit produced meets the necessary standards, across every shift.
9
FENTRADE RELOCATES TO EXPANDED PREMISES TO SUPPORT GROWTH STRATEGY
This
Slim sightlines
Available in several configurations
Outstanding thermal performance
Classic matt black finish
Christina Shaw Editor M: 07805 051322
E: christina@fenestrabuild.co.uk
Emma Champion Advertising Manager
M: 07508 263262
E: emma@fenestrabuild.co.uk
Justin Lazenby Finance Director / Press Release Enquiries
M: 07711 828710
E: justin@fenestrabuild.co.uk
Chris Champion Editorial Enquiries
M: 07850 267223
E: chris@fenestrabuild.co.uk
Jordan Beaumont Graphic Design E: jordan@identifywebdesign.co.uk FROM TRAINING TO TRADE: HOW MY APPRENTICESHIP IS LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR MY CONSTRUCTION CAREER
christina@fenestrabuild.co.uk 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU
As a trade-only fabricator, we can focus on giving you the products and service you need to grow your business:
• Veka Windows and Doors
• Flush Sash Windows
• Conservatories
• Leka and Leka Xi Roofing Systems
• Marketing Support
• Profile 22 Windows and Doors
• Patio and Bifolding Doors
• Conservatory Roofs
• Ultraframe and Wendland Roofs
• Technical and Sales Support
Our proven technology for protecting RENOLIT high-performance films for outdoor use is getting a new name. Solar Shield Technology (SST) is now called SolShield (SST). Nothing will change in the product and will still offer brand-leading protection for your exterior applications and it will still come as standard with all RENOLIT exterior films.
SST is a technology developed by RENOLIT to protect the film from excessive heating by solar radiation. The reflective colour pigments prevent the absorption of the sun’s heat-generating infrared radiation, reflecting it back in a targeted manner, significantly reducing the temperature build-up. The result is it slows down the aging process of the film and building components. This means that even with dark colours being used in warmer climates, the profiles remain dimensionally stable and windows stay airtight for longer, thus improving energy efficiency. Additionally, the transparent top layer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) protects the colours and designs from fading because of the UV radiation or other weather influences.
This technology has undergone rigorous weather exposure tests in accordance with ASTM G173 (TSR value), RAL-GZ 716 and DIN EN 410 (reflection values) demonstrate that RENOLIT EXOFOL films meet the requirements of the RAL quality standards.
Even in the most UV intensive climate, films maintain their colour quality throughout the product life due to the multilayered structure. So whether it’s desert or coastal, SST is suitable for all climates.
For further information please contact RENOLIT UK Ltd (renolit.uk@renolit.com) or call 01670 718222.
Schüco International and Jansen AG have renewed their long-standing agreement that grants Schüco UK exclusive distribution rights for Jansen steel systems in the UK. In doing so, both companies affirm the success of their collaboration.
The two family-owned companies have worked together for almost 50 years, with Schüco holding exclusive distribution rights for Jansen steel systems in the UK and several other European markets since the year 2000.
Jansen’s steel profile systems for windows, doors, fire protection and façades form an important part of the Schüco UK portfolio and are widely specified for their quality, design flexibility and high performance.
The partnership is rooted in shared values, explains Andreas Engelhardt, Managing Partner and CEO of Schüco International KG:
“This year, Schüco is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Partnerships with companies that share our high standards of quality, service and innovative strength have always been important to our long-term success. We have shared these values with Jansen, a family-owned company just like Schüco, for more than 45 years. I am delighted that we are continuing and further expanding our trusted partnership into the future”
The renewed arrangement reinforces the commitment of both companies to delivering high-performance, sustainable steel solutions to the UK market.
Independent trade fabricator Fentrade has completed the purchase of a new 10,539 sq ft facility, marking a significant step forward in the company’s ongoing growth journey.
The move to the new premises, with a planned completion by May, will mark an important milestone for the Newportbased fabricator, providing the space and infrastructure needed to support rising demand and the next stage of its growth strategy. With expanded production, office and space for a showroom area, the new site will ensure Fentrade can scale without compromising the service standards it is known for.
Chris Reeks, Managing Director of Fentrade, commented: “This purchase is a direct result of the progress we’ve made over recent years. Demand for our products continues to grow and the new premises gives us the capacity and flexibility to build on that success while maintaining the reliability our customers expect.”
The increased footprint allows for higher production capacity alongside improved operational flow, helping to safeguard dependable lead times as volumes increase. Chris added: “Consistent delivery is non-negotiable for our customers. The additional space ensures we can continue to deliver on time, in full and without pressure on quality as the business grows.”
Alongside manufacturing improvements, the relocation also brings expanded office facilities to support more streamlined internal workflow. The enhanced working environment enables the team to remain responsive and accessible, from sameday quotations through to technical support when it matters most. Chris commented: “Our customers rely on us to make their supply chain simpler. That responsiveness and availability will always be central to how we operate.”
A dedicated showroom is also being incorporated into the new premises, extending Fentrade’s customer support offering. The space will allow visitors to view products up close, explore specification options and demonstrate finished products to their own clients. Chris said: “The showroom will create a more collaborative environment, giving our customers the opportunity to showcase quality and innovation, helping them add value and unlock new upselling opportunities.”
At Window Warehouse, their product range includes the AluK Heritage Door and Window system, providing customers with a stylish solution that blends classic design with modern performance. Their customers benefit from the convenience of sourcing entire style ranges from a single supplier, with homeowners in return gaining access to matched windows and doors tailored to classic heritage.
The Heritage system has been developed to replicate the distinctive look of traditional steel windows and doors while benefiting from the durability and energy efficiency of aluminium. The system replicates the sleek lines and slim sightlines, with aluminium also having proven sustainability benefits. With the latest thermal break technology, it delivers outstanding comfort and thermal performance.
The Heritage Door offers superior strength and security whilst meeting the demands of today’s energy-conscious homeowner. This door is a versatile choice for both residential and commercial projects, with a range of configuration options, including single and French doors, with fan and side lights. Slim sightlines of 51.7mm elegantly frame the outside space, maximizing natural light in the home.
Those projects that demand a whole-house makeover can achieve the full heritage look with the windows available in a choice of sash designs, including stepped edge, putty line, and square. They can also have astragal or Georgian bars. While the standard finish is matt black for heritage, any colour can be chosen from the collection, with period-inspired handles coming in matt black, antique bronze, heritage black, or heritage grey.
By introducing the AluK Heritage system, Window Warehouse can meet the growing demand for heritage-inspired glazing solutions that work within both traditional and modern settings. Start your free quote with them today at www.windowwarehouse.co.uk or email your project information to info@window-warehouse.co.uk.
CO Manufacturing has reported a 47% year-on-year increase in sales of its Forté door range, highlighting growing demand for high-performance entrance doors and the effectiveness of its value-led network model.
The growth, measured across 2025 compared with 2024, reflects increased consumer appetite for the Forté brand and the continued success of the CO Retail Network.
Further advancements have been made to the Forté through 2025, with new hardware, colour options, glass styles and slab designs added to the range. That design flexibility, coupled with leading security and performance features, places the door range as a retail-friendly option that appeals to homeowners and installers alike.
But the product only tells half the story as this uplift has been supported by the Wakefield-based fabricator rolling out its innovative sales training process to its retail customers.
The programme combines in-depth technical product training with a structured, consultative sales framework, giving sales teams the tools to explain Forté’s features and translate them into meaningful benefits for homeowners.
Supported by free sample kits, including hardware options and colour options, the training helps consultants devise a strong sales pitch that clearly shows the Forté’s benefits when compared to other brands.
Greg Kane, CEO of CO Manufacturing, said: “Since we rolled out our sales training process, our customers are converting door pitches at a higher percentage than ever before. This free-to-access training has made a real difference and continues to drive growth across the sector.”
The Forté range has become an increasingly important part of retailers’ product portfolios. The collection features multiple core options, PAS24 security, improved thermal performance and, importantly for homeowners, a wide range of design choices.
Sheerline is delighted to announce Select Windows (Select) has become one of its newest fabricator partners. The longstanding PVCu supplier has opted to diversify its existing product offering by adding Sheerline’s award-winning aluminium range.
The company is re-entering the aluminium market after leaving it in 1986, which highlights how innovative products and reliable service have transformed the aluminium side of the fenestration industry.
There were several reasons Select opted for the Sheerline system. In part, it was because of the longstanding relationship between members of Select’s and Sheerline’s senior management. Roger Hartshorn and his team previously helped the company achieve consistent, sustainable growth.
This led to a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and a shared vision. This experience, coupled with a visit to FIT Show 2025, gave Select the confidence to become a Sheerline fabricator partner.
Gary Wylde, Managing Director at Select Windows, explained: “Sheerline’s products we believe are ahead of others on the market, with the internal beading, foiling, and ease of supply all major contributing factors in our decision, but the most important is the regard we have for the people we are dealing with.”
During FIT Show 2025, the team had the opportunity to see the heritage range in-person, including the arched Classic Heritage Door. They also learnt about Sheerline’s woodgrain foiling service, which mirrors the foils they use across their PVCu systems.
The company decided it was time to diversify as there had been a steady increase in aluminium window enquiries. Although they had the option to buy in from other companies, fabricating in-house provides full oversight and more control.
But for Select, it isn’t simply about adding aluminium. They’re investing to future-proof the company by increasing capacity so they can meet demand for a growing sector of the market.
Makita has introduced a new redemption offer on XGT® machines, batteries, chargers, torches and power source kits. Between 1st March and the 30th of September 2026, customers can claim a free BL4040F battery for every £390 (excluding VAT) spent on qualifying XGT® products.
Makita’s XGT® range of cordless products are designed to deliver high-performance power, durability and reliability for trade professionals. The 40VMax battery can be used for heavy duty tasks or combined with another 40VMax battery to deliver an impressive 80VMax power output on select machines. This enables many of the XGT® tools to rival corded or petrolequivalent performance and given the XGT® range covers such a wide array of products including drills, impact drivers, saws and other outdoor equipment, it makes the range a go-to option no matter what the trade or task.
The BL4040F battery included in the redemption offer is designed to produce a 35% increase in power in comparison to the standard BL4040 4.0Ah battery. With tabless cell technology, the battery has an enhanced cooling system, meaning that the battery continues to run cooler to maintain performance under heavy load. What’s more, the battery also features a power level indicator to give users a warning when to recharge at a glance, and has an average charging time of only 45 minutes.
Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “The new XGT® redemption promotion allows customers to claim a new battery when purchasing selected XGT® tools, helping them to get even more value from every purchase. Receiving a free BL4040F battery offers customers longer runtime and real cost savings, as well as fundamentally improving productivity.”
To be eligible for the promotion, end users must spend a minimum of £390.00 excluding VAT on qualifying products from an authorised dealer and register proof of purchase on Makita’s online form within 28 days. Customers will receive their free battery after 30 days when claims have been validated. Combining multiple invoices of less than £390 to make a total of £390 excluding VAT will not be accepted and it must be one claim per invoice that reaches the qualifying threshold. Multiple claims can be made throughout the promotional campaign based on the qualifying criteria being met. This offer extends to all XGT® products with the exception of multi-platform models (machines that can be powered by other batteries as well as XGT® ones).
Hardware expert VBH has announced that its popular greenteQ Velocity door hinge range has been further expanded with the addition of two new colour options.
The hinge is now available in RAL 7038 Agate Grey and Antique Black finishes from UK stock.
VBH advise that Velocity is a two-knuckle ‘T-Hinge’ designed for rebated doors with a sash upstand dimension between 16 –24mm, making it ideal for PVCu single and double doors.
Greater rebates can be achieved with the addition of packers beneath the frame bearing.
Ample 3D adjustment is available on site to ensure that the finished door can be installed quickly and working perfectly every time.
VBH advise that Velocity is extremely quick to fit to the door, as a jig is only required to drill two holes in the frame. A recent time trial saw a hinge fully fitted in under a minute.
The two new painted colours bring the number of finishes available to fifteen, all of which are available from VBH stock here in the UK.
Gary Gleeson, VBH’s marketing manager, says, “Velocity is packed with features, and its colour options make it a dream product for specifiers and sales people. Due to its clever design, Velocity is well liked by door fabricators and installers too, as it is very easy to work with. You don’t have to be an experienced door fabricator to fit these hinges correctly, every time.
“Fifteen painted and plated finishes make Velocity perfect for fabricators who manufacture coloured and foiled doors, but they look great on white, too.
“Velocity has good looks and ease of fitting on its side, and it has the strength to go with them. It can carry doors weighing 100kg and has been successfully tested to PAS24:2022 as part of a PVCu doorset. It is approved by Secured by Design as a Police Preferred Specification.”
Sheerline has unveiled its SheerGlide® Inline Patio Door featuring new technology and completing its popular residential range.
SheerGlide® delivers solutions to common issues associated with inline patios, providing an opportunity for Sheerline to showcase its latest innovations whilst renewing its commitment to making life easier for its fabricator and installer partners.
In the past, it has been problematic for inline patio systems to combine thermal performance and security. Sheerline’s unique patent pending single component interlock, TwinLock, has been developed in-house. It’s strong, slim, integrated into every door, and features a bi-directional thermal break.
SheerGlide® offers U-values of 1.4 and 1.0 W/m²K respectively thanks to Sheerline’s award-winning Thermlock® technology and with a 38mm slim interlock, offers refined aesthetics. The interlock is also non-bonded to make it easier to manufacture, transport, and install.
Complexity has also been an issue in the past and has been addressed in two ways. First, the number of components required has been reduced, and second, ready-to-fabricate kits are available for Sheerline customers and reduce the number of manufacturing processes from 119 to 40.
The benefits of this for fabricators are two-fold; they can free up cash as there are zero stockholding requirements, and it enables them to speed up manufacturing. Plus, it’s available in five popular colour choices on five-day lead times.
This is the first product to benefit from Sheerline’s new Quick Connect Corner, which speeds up fabrication thanks to a ‘bump stop’ that gives positive feedback during assembly. An evolution of the award-winning patented corner construction method, it reduces waste and misalignment.
Roger Hartshorn, Garner Aluminium Extrusions Chairman, said: “The launch of SheerGlide® marks an important milestone both personally and professionally; it completes our residential range, and it is the first product launched under our new Technical & Design Director, Ben Hartshorn.”
Makita has expanded its professional cordless range with the introduction of the brushless and high-performance BN001GZ and BN002GZ Framing Nailers. Built on Makita’s advanced XGT® 40VMax platform, the models combine power, precision and reliability to deliver quality results no matter what the task is at hand.
The new framing nailers deliver powerful performance combined with the freedom and efficiency required on construction sites. Both offer a true pneumatic feel due to the increased compression speed of its pneumatic spring: this delivers the ideal balance of power and speed. Both the BN001GZ and the BN002GZ feature a significantly improved rapid firing capability of up to four shots per second, enabling fast job completion without compromising on accuracy.
The BN001GZ drives clipped-head nails up to 90mm in length with a 2.9 – 3.3mm gauge with a magazine angle of 30 – 34 degrees, whereas the BN002GZ drives round-head nails up to 90mm in length with a 2.9 – 3.8mm gauge with a magazine angle of 20 – 22 degrees. The nailers also offer flexible operation with a full sequential mode for single shot nailing and a contact actuation mode for continuous nailing.
Both models share a range of convenient smart features. These include a built-in LED light with pre-glow and afterglow functions to illuminate dark workspaces.
A convenient viewing window also allows users to quickly check the remaining nail quantity, while an integrated anti-dry fire mechanism activates before the nail count reaches zero to help prevent missed shots. Additionally, the tools have an adjustable driving depth dial and an anti-slip nose with a redesigned tip shape to ensure stable, efficient performance, even during angled nailing. Each tool is also equipped with a practical belt hook and a 38mm rafter hook, allowing easy hanging on ladders, scaffolding and timbers.
For more information, please visit: www.makitauk.com.
6 door knocker designs.
7 corrosion-resistant stainless steel finishes, as standard.
Built for every home.
Clearview New Build has announced its strongest year to date, reporting a significant increase in the number of live sites it is servicing compared with this time last year.
Part of the CO Manufacturing, Clearview New Build has grown steadily, capitalising on rising demand from regional and national housebuilders that are seeking high-quality fabrication and installation partners.
This expansion has been underpinned by a dedicated office function, a specialist customer care team, and highly skilled installation teams covering the north of England.
This has enabled the company to successfully scale whilst maintaining strong site relationships and dependable service levels.
David Maybury, Divisional Head of Clearview New Build, said:
“We’ve experienced major growth in the past year, and that reflects the trust our housebuilder partners place in us. Developers want subcontractors who turn up, deliver quality work and keep the programme moving. That’s exactly what we’ve built the business around.
The growth has also been supported by Clearview New Build’s focused approach to customer care and on-site communication, which enables smoother handovers, fewer delays, and strong collaboration with site managers.
David Maybury added:
“Customer service is at the centre of what we do. With multiple fitting teams and a dedicated aftercare department, we pride ourselves on delivering a level of service and ongoing support that other installers can’t match.
“The new build sector is fast-paced and unforgiving. Our job is to help sites stay on programme, avoid unnecessary cost and deliver a high-quality finish first time. As we expand further across the region, that commitment will remain our driving force.”
With more live sites coming online and strong demand from existing clients, Clearview New Build expects further growth throughout the year as it continues to expand its operational capacity and regional footprint.
Longstanding hardware manufacturer Kenrick has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Marcus Hathaway as Regional Sales Manager.
Marcus joins Kenrick with many years of industry experience and will be responsible for customers across the Midlands, Wales and South West regions. He is well known to the business, having spent six years with hardware distributor Winlock, where he worked closely with Kenrick as a customer and developed a strong understanding of the company’s products, service and market reputation.
Commenting on the appointment, Martin Smith, General Manager at Kenrick, said: “We are delighted to welcome Marcus to Kenrick. He brings valuable industry knowledge, strong regional relationships and a clear understanding of our product range and customer expectations. Having previously worked with Kenrick from the distributor side, he appreciates the quality and reliability that define our brand. His appointment further strengthens our sales structure as we continue to grow.”
Marcus has built a reputation within the industry for his customer-focused approach and technical understanding of hardware solutions. His move to Kenrick reflects both his confidence in the business and his enthusiasm for supporting customers with products that deliver proven performance.
Commenting on his new role, Marcus said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Kenrick at such an exciting time. Having worked with the company for many years as a customer, I’ve always been impressed by the quality of the products and the strength of the team behind them. It’s a business with a long heritage and a clear vision for growth.”
He continued: “I’m looking forward to working closely with fabricators and distribution partners across my region, supporting existing relationships and developing new opportunities. The launch of the AK Secure range, including the popular AK Touch Secure smart door lock and the recently introduced AK Safe Secure smart lock box, gives us a strong platform in the growing smart security market.”
Defining performance at the point of design
Five years ago, VEKA introduced WinDoPlan to integrate structural and thermal calculation directly into window and door specification. The platform enables VEKA systems to be configured within defined structural and thermal parameters at design stage. Wind load can be calculated using project-specific location data and building characteristics, allowing suitability to be assessed before quotation, manufacture or installation.
Whole-window U-values are calculated based on actual configuration, distinguishing between frame and centre pane performance to support accurate thermal assessment. Automated validation checks identify oversized or unachievable designs, helping ensure configurations remain within defined performance limits before progressing further.
Supporting consistent, accurate specification
For fabricators and specifiers, early-stage modelling supports clearer decision-making. Defined performance parameters reduce the likelihood of redesign, support more accurate quotations and contribute to predictable delivery across projects.
As energy efficiency expectations continue to evolve, including the direction of travel toward the Future Homes Standard, configuration-specific calculation is becoming increasingly important. Assessing wind load and thermal performance based on actual design intent supports greater clarity and consistency from the outset.
Tools that support efficient design
• WinDoPlan brings together a wide set of features that streamline specification and support day to day fabrication:
• Download Manager offering access to component drawings in PDF, DWG and DXF formats.
• Fully dimensioned cross sectional views to support detailed verification.
• Interactive 3D images for clearer visual understanding of product configurations.
• A dedicated Projects Area with templates, free text notes and fabricator branding options.
• A Free Draw area for representing bespoke shapes such as arched or circular frames.
With the construction sector facing skills shortages, apprenticeships play a vital role in securing the industry’s future. By combining hands- on experience with structured learning, they offer a practical, inclusive route into skilled roles.
D’ontae Rock,22, is completing his Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeship with Complete Fixing Solutions (CFS), a construction firm delivering commercial projects across London and the South of England. He feels his apprenticeship has provided a clear pathway into a career where learning is practical, confidence is built on site, and progress is visible every day.
Finding the right route
Like many young people drawn to construction, D’ontae knew early on that he wanted a career where he could work with his hands and see the results of his efforts. However, traditional classroom-based learning wasn’t the environment where he felt he thrived.
“I’ve always understood things better when they’re shown to me,” he explains. “An apprenticeship felt like the right fit because you’re learning by doing, putting the skills into practice straight away, and seeing how they fit into the larger project you’re working toward.”
That combination of paid employment and formal training led him to a carpentry apprenticeship with CFS, where he now works alongside experienced tradespeople on live projects across Central London, while studying at New City College.
Learning on site and growing in confidence
Construction apprenticeships can help learners build real-world skills quickly. From the outset, D’ontae worked within site teams, learning from qualified carpenters and being trusted with an increasing range of tasks.
