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MBA Associates Limited" 8 Signs of Failing Managers (Part 2!)
Management or Market? A question that is always on the thinking MD’s mind and given that the market ...[more]

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MBA Associates Limited" 8 Signs of Failing Managers (Part 1!)
Effective managers do more than supervise employees. They take responsibility for ensuring that an i...[more]

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MBA Associates Limited" Talent Management
How far down your organization do you think talent goes? If you accept that competitive advantage ...[more]

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The Fenestration News Bulletin this week will be sent to more than 15,000 recipients in just over 9,000  organisations aligned to the Window Industry. Making it an effective delivery platform to get your Companies message across.

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In the News

We are in one of those periods of time, election time, that a neutral stance is generally the path to tread. However, we have in our in-box what should be described as an observation, Gordon agrees with Charles – Charles Greensmith MD of GAP that is.

Another observation is that while the Fenestration Industry is campaigning to have a reduction in VAT, Nick Clegg has made a promise in his manifesto to put tax on all new building work.

Computers are both a pain and a blessing, more precisely, the pain is the program and the blessing is the machine. Recently this programming has shown how it can affect our daily life especially when it doesn’t come up with the right results. Last year computer modelling (programming) promised us a barbeque summer, then there was one of the warmest winters on record, even last Sunday was supposed to be hot and sunny for the London marathon. From the same source, same programmers, we also got the ash, Volcanic Ash. At first we were all under the impression this ash had been sighted or even seen by sophisticated radar. No, none of it, it was a 100% computer model of where the programmer deduced the dust might appear. That of course led to frustration, with Lufthansa, KLM and BA all taking to the air to find the dust and coming back empty. Similarly, sophisticated satellite radar has been unable to find this ash where the programming said it should be. The wise and the cautious amongst us quite rightly would say better safe than sorry, which is hard not to agree with. Turn it around the other way what if the computer programming had said it was clear and it wasn’t? What are we trying to deal with, actual facts or fiction? How does it help the credibility of global warming when it is coming from the same programming source as the above predictions?

This brings us on to the rumblings that are still going on in the industry with the suggestion of the need to adopt the GGF’s WER’s within the English and Welsh Building Regulations. In the building regulations we have always had fairly precise criteria to determine the energy performance for the envelope of a building. This is of course is essential if we are to move forward to design more energy efficient, hopefully carbon neutral homes and set the scene to combat global warming. So, how come the GGF’s WER’s is seen as contentious? This window energy rating is actually a one-off test for a window thats size and configuration can’t or shouldn’t be sold or even made in the UK. (That alone makes those that constructed the test seem out of touch). Thankfully we will never know its true abilities, as the aperture it would fit probably doesn’t exist. The main thing though is this is a one off test, at one moment in time, under one set of circumstances and in one particular situation. It was never intended that this test should have any meaning in real world applications and that is why it doesn’t. So the contention is that the Building Regulations deal with specifics, and this test doesn’t, so how come there is a push for it to be used? Even more confusing is that it is very straight forward for the Window Industry to give precise performance measurements for every unit, or installation in much the same way that the Building Regulations requires for all other components of the building envelope. So moving away from a degree of precision to inexactitude seems not only strange but is counterproductive if our aims are truly to reduce CO2 emissions and reduce our energy consumption generally. It’s a bit like taking a guess at where volcanic ash will appear when you know the eye ball [sic] will do it better.

continued below...

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Where the system falls down is that those that have assumed a self appointed position of authority on these matters, are trying to drown out those with a constructive voice whose only objective is to construct a system that works best for the consumer, the industry and as a consequence goes on to achieve a united aim of energy conservation. From the self appointed there is no dialogue just derision. So you find yourself asking why?

In line with all the observations being pointed out on the GGF’s WER’s this week, it has been noted that those who are keen on the adoption of these standards are the ones to profit from their introduction, but are not the ones having their products tested and are not the ones that it is intended to be paying the compulsory fees. If they were so keen why are they not offering to pay their customers’ compliance fees?

Interestingly, an observer to the GGF’s WER’s, an EU Commissioner involved in standards in the EU, whose desk this type of project may fall, made the comment that this is not the way the EU would implement it. Given our ever increasing integration with Europe maybe this project in this form has very little time left to run.

UK Airspace rebooting - time lapse radar

More WER's chat - RCG, i-agree-with-kev

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You can follow, take a peek or even have a view at our rather timid but broader take on events at http://twitter.com/FenNews . We are there for now, but like others have yet to be convinced as to the point.

Remember, for all the latest news updated daily, check out the Fenestration News website @ www.fenestration-news.com

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New Jobs - " " is seeking Area Sales Manager, Bowater is looking for 3 Commercial Development managers

New Opportunities – Aluminium Contracting business for sale.

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8 Signs of Failing Managers (Part 2!))

Management or Market? A question that is always on the thinking MD’s mind and given that the market isn’t going to ‘save’ anyone (at least for a few years!) it has to be more important than ever to identify failing managers. Part 1 of this article looked at poor comminucators, weak leaders, those that could not change as well as the poor relationship builders and identified the tell tale indicators of failing management rather than difficult market. What else tells you you have a management problem?

1. Ineffective Task Managers

When everything is a priority then nothing is a priority. Effective task managers know how to establish priorities and make sure work gets done! They know how to say “No!” to activities that will divert them from priorities. They can see the big picture and break it down into specific tasks required to complete a project. They are skilled at assessing their resources, allotting time and materials. Everything is not equally important. Poor task managers:- ...[ more ]

© Chris Ball, MBA Associates - April 2010

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In Box

Letter to the Editor - Charles Greensmith, GAP

Dear Ian,

Gordon Brown, “I’ve got Solar Panels on my house”.

I watched with great interest the 2nd pre-election leader’s debate last Thursday on Sky, with the incumbent Prime Minister Gordon Brown throwing his weight behind the benefits of Solar Panels.

Whilst you may or may not agree with his political points of view, it was refreshing to hear one of the main leaders singing the praises of one of the fastest growing markets in the UK, and a market our industry needs to grasp with both hands before the opportunity is lost...[ more ]

Yours sincerely

Charles Greensmith, Joint Managing Director, GAP

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In Box

Letter to the Editor - Richard Gyde, Mila Hardware

Dear Ian,

Staying one step ahead of burglars is the constant challenge facing hardware manufacturers in the UK. Why then do so many of Mila’s competitors persist in posting videos on the internet showing exactly how to break into doors?

I know that they are seeking to achieve some kind of competitive advantage by showing how their handle or cylinder resists break in attempts, but the reality is that they are showcasing the very tools and methods which burglars are likely to use ...[ more ]

Richard Gyde, Managing Director - Mila Hardware

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In Box

Letter to the editor in response to Richard Gyde - David Jennings, UAP

Dear Ian,

I applaud Richard Gyde's letter regarding the posting of 'how to' video's on Youtube and the like, the most recent of which concerned attacking the Astral S cylinder, a cylinder I personally rate highly and would love to emulate. That attack was met with swift response from the locksmith market who took great delight in posting their own videos exposing the serious potential flaw in the offending cylinder manufacturers newly launched product...[ more ]

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In Box

Letter to the Editor, response to Markus Springer - Matthew Kirby, Solaglas Ltd

Dear Ian,

As a leading sealed unit manufacturer Solaglas is only too aware of the arguments for and against Window Energy Ratings (WERs) but it’s disappointing to read Markus Springer’s negative comments in Fenestration News (30th March). Technically I agree with some of the points he made, but this isn’t mainly a technical issue.

WERs are a way of getting homeowners to identify energy saving products and help them make an informed decision so they choose the best for their homes. The WERs label is a marketing device to communicate clearly with the public and it does this successfully....[ more ]

Yours sincerely

Matthew Kirby, Glass Marketing Manager, Solaglas Ltd

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Remember, for all the latest news updated daily, check out the Fenestration News website @ www.fenestration-news.com

Also in the news....

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Listers’ Customers Pass their A-Levels
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Pilkington Building Products
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Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems
Comar launches its new ECO products
Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems are pleased to launch their new Comar 7P.i ECO Door System which integrates with the Comar 5P.i ECO Window System. This new launch completes ..[ more ]

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Door-Stop International
Affinity SBD hardware now available from Door-Stop
The new, much talked about Affinity hardware range is now available on Door-Stop composite doors. Customers can now opt for the Affinity hardware package at www.door-stop .co.uk, a ..[ more ]

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Conservatory Outlet
Conservatory Outlet network dealers head to Wales
Conservatory Outlet dealers made their way recently to a seminar designed to help them sharpen their sales techniques and strategies and to take maximum advantage of the increasing ..[ more ]

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Glazerite Windows
Capture more of the market with VEKA Matrix 70 and
In 2006 Glazerite Windows successfully introduced the VEKA FS70 range to run alongside the popular Matrix 58mm system and provide the installer with a choice for the homeowner betw ..[ more ]

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Mila Hardware
Siegenia Aubi and Mila hardware mark 30 year partn
Siegenia Aubi has confirmed that Mila Hardware remains a key distributor in the UK, as the two companies mark 30 years in partnership together. - Mila’s relationship with Siegenia ..[ more ]

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Pilkington Building Products
A rating as easy as 1, 2, 3 with SWC
North of England leading fabricator SWC Trade Frames will soon be supplying A rated windows as standard with Pilkington energiKare™ Plus. - Pilkington energiKare™ Plus uses a combi ..[ more ]

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Saint-Gobain Solaglas
New and improved EcoClear+
Solaglas adds to its sealed unit range with SGG EcoClear® +, the new and improved version of its existing leading sealed unit SGG EcoClear®. The new range makes it even easier and ..[ more ]

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HL Plastics
Liniar’s Bi-fold Plus open days are a hit with cus
Over 90 customers attended Liniar’s open days in April, eager to get a sneak preview of its newly designed bi-fold door, Liniar Bi-fold Plus. The technically advanced and innovativ ..[ ]

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Steel Window Association
Steel windows for Marlborough Street mix and match
W20 and W40 steel window systems, containing a selection of glazing make ups, have been employed by a member of the Steel Window Association for the refurbishment of an imposing of ..[ ]

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L.B. Plastics
Sheerframe windows and doors suit Countryside’s MM
Sheerframe fabricator Denver Contractors has completed the first phases of a 5-year contract involving the manufacture and installation of more than 2500 windows and doors for a ma ..[ ]

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MBA Associates Limited
8 Signs of Failing Managers (Part 2!)
Management or Market? A question that is always on the thinking MD’s mind and given that the market isn’t going to ‘save’ anyone (at least for a few years!) it has to be more impor ..[ ]

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Glass and Glazing Federation(GGF)
GGF’s customer conciliation scheme
Being a member of the GGF not only benefits window and door companies, it also benefits their customers. This has always been the case, but the Federation has recently launched a l ..[ ]

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TuffX Processed Glass Ltd
TuffX conservatory roof glass used in large commer
Conservatory glass roof specialist, TuffX Conservatory Glass has seen a surge in demand for the company’s products in relation to larger commercial projects. Whilst conservatory i ..[ ]

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Kommerling UK
Kommerling’s new structural glazing guide offers a
Kommerling UK has produced a brochure entitled ‘Systems Solutions for Structural Glazing’ which has been designed to give an introduction into the techniques and solutions availabl ..[ ]

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Network VEKA
VEKA plc welcomes new Customer Service Manager
Paul Harvey has joined the team at VEKA in the role of Customer Service Manager. - With a post graduate qualification in management and over 30 years experience in customer care, ..[ ]

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SFS Intec
Dynamic 2D helps installers get the max door openi
PVC-U and composite door installers looking to achieve the maximum door opening width, without the hassle and expense of using an add-on profiles, have a simple solution with the s ..[ ]

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Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB)
Aluminium on Message for the Decade Ahead
The next decade promises to provide some monumental challenges to any organisation involved in the building envelope. In market terms it is difficult enough to predict the next 3 y ..[ ]

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April - issue: 0410.03

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