Letter to the Editor - Government Updates, Jon Vanstone
Dear Ian,
I know statements about ‘talking to Government’ can be met with scepticism from the industry. It’s not just about listening to what Government has to say, but also feeding back what we, as an industry are thinking. Over the last few days, I feel good progress has been made and there are results that are worth reporting.
This week I was invited to the ‘Working in People’s Homes (tradespersons)’ Group by Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, where I have been able to voice concerns from the glazing industry directly to him. …»
Yours faithfully,
Jon Vanstone
Chair, Certass Trade Association
Darwin And The Survival Of The Least Fit
A very experienced senior manager said to me this week that he was seeing in the window industry what he had seen in the steel industry when he worked there and it was evolving and altering under the squeeze of competition and price pressure. He described it as a situation where the strong got stronger and the weak got weaker but I’m not sure that is what we are seeing in the window industry as yet.
I’m not sure Darwin would recognise what we are seeing as natural selection. Natural selection implies that the weak die out and the strong thrive but whilst we are seeing business failures, often very costly ones (if you happen to be a creditor or customer) we are not seeing as many of these companies stay ‘dead’ as you would expect. Capacity is not being removed from a market where there is surplus. So are we seeing the survival of the least fit? There is even a term for it, the ‘Phoenix’ company. This implies something splendid rising from the ashes but I’m not sure that best describes this phenomenon, certainly not if you have to compete with companies like this. They have an advantage when they are failing (they don’t pay their bills) and they have an advantage when they arise…. A clean slate and often highly discounted resources, all at the creditors (and sometimes customers) expense.)..…»
Darwin And The Survival Of The Least Fit
© Chris Ball December 2008-2020
© Chris Ball December 2016-2020
Letter to the Editor - 4th May 2020 - Rob McGlennon
Dear Ian
Over the past two weeks, with Government encouragement, the construction industry has started to return safely to work. A survey by Build UK (29 April) of major contractors reported close to 70% of sites were back at work. Most major housebuilders, plumbers’ and builders’ merchants and DIY and hardware stores have either re-opened or have announced plans to reopen soon.
When the Government put the UK into lockdown on 23 March, it had no intention of shutting down construction, but a week or so later it was alarmed to discover that most of it had closed down. It was a confusing and chaotic time. Government communications were unclear so when people saw others close down, they closed too. …»
Rob McGlennon
Deceuninck MD
Euramax Solutions -
'Euramax makes steps into modular market'
Leading UK manufacturer of PVCu windows, doors and composite doors, Euramax, has announced that it is supplying modular home manufacturer Ilke Homes with windows and doors for 2,000 modular homes. This collaboration marks a significant step for Euramax, as the business continues to progress in an increasingly valuable construction market. ...more
Archibald Kenrick -
'Kenrick supports customers during coronavirus'
With many fabricators planning to re-open for business on 11 May, hardware supplier Kenrick is geared up and ready to supply customers after the shutdown. Having implemented a number of safety measures to avoid the spread of Covid-19, the West-Bromwich firm remained partially operational during the lockdown with a team taking orders and ...more
Epwin Window Systems -
'Heritage Trade Frames becomes Stellar fabricator'
Longstanding Profile 22 customer Heri e Trade Frames has become the latest fabricator to manufacture Stellar, the award-winning aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems. Phil Cresswell, Sales and Marketing Manager at Heri e Trade Frames, said: “The superb aesthetics of Stellar completely raise the bar in alumin ...more
Deceuninck -
'Letter to the Editor - 4th May 2020 - Rob McGlennon'
Dear Ian Over the past two weeks, with Government encouragement, the construction industry has started to return safely to work. A survey by Build UK (29 April) of major contractors reported close to 70% of sites were back at work. Most major housebuilders, plumbers ’ and builders ’ merchants and DIY and hardware stores have either re-open ...more
Epwin Window Systems -
'Epwin Window Systems begins phased reopening'
Epwin Window Systems has announced a phased and controlled reopening of their Telford operation from Monday 4th May, 2020. The phased reopening will commence with a small team of Customer Service personnel who will be available to discuss customers ’ order requirements from 4th May. During that week, the production plant will fire up wi ...more
Brisant Secure -
'A sweet weather test – one year, 28 days on…'
In 2018, Brisant-Secure surprised the industry by announcing that one of their Sweet door handles had managed survive in a salt spray chamber for 8,056 hours. The surprise was because the standard is only 240 hours. Twelve months on, Brisant put a Sweet letterplate into the same accredited test chamber and waited. And waited. Even though ...more
Steel Window Association -
'Steel Window Association member launches versatile MP196 and MP920 MultiPoint handles'
Steel Window Association (SWA) member, Steel Window Fittings (SWF) specialises in providing expert quality and aesthetic fittings for steel window frames. Two brand new handles have been designed to make appealing, technically clever additions to the product portfolio available from SWF. The handles demonstrate carefully chosen features ...more
'Euramax makes steps into modular market'
Leading UK manufacturer of PVCu windows, doors and composite doors, Euramax, has announced that it is supplying modular home manufacturer Ilke Homes with windows and doors for 2,000 modular homes. This collaboration marks a significant step for Euramax, as the business continues to progress in an increasingly valuable construction market. ...more
Archibald Kenrick -
'Kenrick supports customers during coronavirus'
With many fabricators planning to re-open for business on 11 May, hardware supplier Kenrick is geared up and ready to supply customers after the shutdown. Having implemented a number of safety measures to avoid the spread of Covid-19, the West-Bromwich firm remained partially operational during the lockdown with a team taking orders and ...more
Epwin Window Systems -
'Heritage Trade Frames becomes Stellar fabricator'
Longstanding Profile 22 customer Heri e Trade Frames has become the latest fabricator to manufacture Stellar, the award-winning aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems. Phil Cresswell, Sales and Marketing Manager at Heri e Trade Frames, said: “The superb aesthetics of Stellar completely raise the bar in alumin ...more
Deceuninck -
'Letter to the Editor - 4th May 2020 - Rob McGlennon'
Dear Ian Over the past two weeks, with Government encouragement, the construction industry has started to return safely to work. A survey by Build UK (29 April) of major contractors reported close to 70% of sites were back at work. Most major housebuilders, plumbers ’ and builders ’ merchants and DIY and hardware stores have either re-open ...more
Epwin Window Systems -
'Epwin Window Systems begins phased reopening'
Epwin Window Systems has announced a phased and controlled reopening of their Telford operation from Monday 4th May, 2020. The phased reopening will commence with a small team of Customer Service personnel who will be available to discuss customers ’ order requirements from 4th May. During that week, the production plant will fire up wi ...more
Brisant Secure -
'A sweet weather test – one year, 28 days on…'
In 2018, Brisant-Secure surprised the industry by announcing that one of their Sweet door handles had managed survive in a salt spray chamber for 8,056 hours. The surprise was because the standard is only 240 hours. Twelve months on, Brisant put a Sweet letterplate into the same accredited test chamber and waited. And waited. Even though ...more
Steel Window Association -
'Steel Window Association member launches versatile MP196 and MP920 MultiPoint handles'
Steel Window Association (SWA) member, Steel Window Fittings (SWF) specialises in providing expert quality and aesthetic fittings for steel window frames. Two brand new handles have been designed to make appealing, technically clever additions to the product portfolio available from SWF. The handles demonstrate carefully chosen features ...more
Hegla & Bystronic - advertisement
Bohle Group - advertisement
Certass Limited
Letter to the Editor - Government Updates, Jon Van
Dear Ian, I know statements about ‘talking to Government’ can be met with scepticism from...»
Deceuninck
Deceuninck letter to editor April 2020
Dear Ian What are the long-term implications of Covid-19 for the industry? When w...»
CMS Enviro Systems Ltd(CMS Window Systems)
CMS director shortlisted for prestigious IoD Scotl
The achievements of CMS Window Systems’ sustainability strategy over the past 14 years have been ...»
Euramax Solutions
Make it personal
<strong>For many people, homes are a form of self-expression. The addition of abstract artwork or...»
Epwin Window Systems
Epwin Window Systems manufacturing PPE for NHS fro
Epwin Window Systems is using its 3D printing capabilities to produce two types of Personal Prote...»
Deceuninck
Nolan uPVC helps NHS pop-up COVID-19 Nightingale h
One of Wales’ leading fabricators is playing a crucial role in the construction of a temporary NH...»
Residence Collection (Masonite International
Residence inspires installers through lockdown
While the industry may well be in the latter stages of lockdown, The Residence Collection has con...»
FrameXpress
Framexpress to donate 5% of 2020 profits to NHS
Framexpress has pledged to donate 5% of its 2020 profits to the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 U...»
Letter to the Editor - Government Updates, Jon Van
Dear Ian, I know statements about ‘talking to Government’ can be met with scepticism from...»
Deceuninck
Deceuninck letter to editor April 2020
Dear Ian What are the long-term implications of Covid-19 for the industry? When w...»
CMS Enviro Systems Ltd(CMS Window Systems)
CMS director shortlisted for prestigious IoD Scotl
The achievements of CMS Window Systems’ sustainability strategy over the past 14 years have been ...»
Euramax Solutions
Make it personal
<strong>For many people, homes are a form of self-expression. The addition of abstract artwork or...»
Epwin Window Systems
Epwin Window Systems manufacturing PPE for NHS fro
Epwin Window Systems is using its 3D printing capabilities to produce two types of Personal Prote...»
Deceuninck
Nolan uPVC helps NHS pop-up COVID-19 Nightingale h
One of Wales’ leading fabricators is playing a crucial role in the construction of a temporary NH...»
Residence Collection (Masonite International
Residence inspires installers through lockdown
While the industry may well be in the latter stages of lockdown, The Residence Collection has con...»
FrameXpress
Framexpress to donate 5% of 2020 profits to NHS
Framexpress has pledged to donate 5% of its 2020 profits to the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 U...»
framxpress - advertisement
Certass Limited
Letter to the Editor - Government Updates, Jon Van
Dear Ian, I know statements about ‘talking to Government’ can be met with scepticism from...»
Deceuninck
Deceuninck letter to editor April 2020
Dear Ian What are the long-term implications of Covid-19 for the industry? When w...»
CMS Enviro Systems Ltd(CMS Window Systems)
CMS director shortlisted for prestigious IoD Scotl
The achievements of CMS Window Systems’ sustainability strategy over the past 14 years have been ...»
Letter to the Editor - Government Updates, Jon Van
Dear Ian, I know statements about ‘talking to Government’ can be met with scepticism from...»
Deceuninck
Deceuninck letter to editor April 2020
Dear Ian What are the long-term implications of Covid-19 for the industry? When w...»
CMS Enviro Systems Ltd(CMS Window Systems)
CMS director shortlisted for prestigious IoD Scotl
The achievements of CMS Window Systems’ sustainability strategy over the past 14 years have been ...»
Hegla - advertisement
FrameXpress
5K Security Guarantee on Doors from CLUB Framexpre
New standards of security and extra peace of mind have been added to the Framexpress range of PVC...»
Saint-Gobain Glass UK
Saint-Gobain Glass extends solar control range
Saint-Gobain Glass has announced the launch of its most recent product innovation for the commerc...»
Steel Window Association
Triplex window handle by Steel Window Fittings
Steel Window Association member, Steel Window Fittings, is pleased to announce the availability o...»
Senior Architectural Systems
New Slimline Aluminium Sliding Door from Senior
Senior Architectural Systems is set to open up new opportunities for customers working in the res...»
5K Security Guarantee on Doors from CLUB Framexpre
New standards of security and extra peace of mind have been added to the Framexpress range of PVC...»
Saint-Gobain Glass UK
Saint-Gobain Glass extends solar control range
Saint-Gobain Glass has announced the launch of its most recent product innovation for the commerc...»
Steel Window Association
Triplex window handle by Steel Window Fittings
Steel Window Association member, Steel Window Fittings, is pleased to announce the availability o...»
Senior Architectural Systems
New Slimline Aluminium Sliding Door from Senior
Senior Architectural Systems is set to open up new opportunities for customers working in the res...»
MBA Associates - advertisement
Edgetech - advertisement
framxpress - advertisement
CDW Systems Ltd
CDW Systems supports Hazlemere Commercial with maj
CDW Systems, the respected trade and commercial fabricator, has partnered with one of the country...»
Promat UK
SYSTEMGLAS® maximises fire safety and natural ligh
SYSTEMGLAS® Advenerat from Promat UK has proven to be the perfect solution to meet the brief of p...»
Steel Window Association
SWA member shines as Financial Times returns to Br
One of the world’s most famous newspapers has returned to a building close by London’s St Paul’s ...»
CDW Systems supports Hazlemere Commercial with maj
CDW Systems, the respected trade and commercial fabricator, has partnered with one of the country...»
Promat UK
SYSTEMGLAS® maximises fire safety and natural ligh
SYSTEMGLAS® Advenerat from Promat UK has proven to be the perfect solution to meet the brief of p...»
Steel Window Association
SWA member shines as Financial Times returns to Br
One of the world’s most famous newspapers has returned to a building close by London’s St Paul’s ...»
MBA Associates - advertisement