NATFEN Digital Magazine Edition 27

NATFEN Digital Magazine Edition 27

" W E ' L L M E E T A G A I N "

These are unprecedented times for us all. Life is changing by the day, and its clear that nothing will be the same again when all this is over. UK fenestration is facing the toughest challenge it has ever had to face. the National Fenestration Awards will play its part to help the industry, in particular it's installers, in as many productive and innovative ways it can.

We are all in this together. Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.

GENERAL

CLIPPINGS AND MUSINGS MARCH - HELEN DUVAL

S pring and Summer are always seasons where the consumer gets restless for change whether it’s a house move or a renovation project. Whichever, it generally gives a feel good factor for the next six months as consumers look to upgrade, one way or another in the upgrade market. The calibre of skillsets available on the building market, continues to show a severe lack of trained proficiency. Sourcing the right skills on site to build and install to a consistently high standard during a period of increased building activity, has been proving difficult for some companies, particularly those who rely on sub-contracting . It would seem the good, reliable workers are either too busy or too expensive for the job. So what is the solution? Investing in training would seem the logical answer to getting the skills right, whether onsite or in the office. Whether it’s training courses for individuals or on-site training for employees, improving build processes and managing sites well will guarantee to keep quality standards high. These are good incentives for the Generation Z graduates.

Aluminium continues to increase in popularity, consumers with an eye on contemporary design will undoubtedly look to blend modern living with an overall sleek appearance. While the appeal of aluminium frames was previously found in the commercial sector in projects such as schools, restaurants, and government buildings, as new technologies have evolved over recent years, it is now firmly established as a main contender on the domestic front. Improvements in thermal insulation, increased strength and the ability to manufacture in dual colour finishes, will continue to inspire home owners. Techniques to manufacture products that perform to the highest levels remain prevalent across the industry, as climate change and managing its effects has taken a real toll on the environment lately. Australia has suffered dreadfully in the bush fires with wildlife and homes utterly destroyed. Here at home, the flooding appears to be the worst on record and it is evident that pressure will be on to develop building products that can radically reduce global carbon emissions.

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GENERAL

Glass machinery manufacturers continue to evaluate methods for leaner, cleaner automated production, introducing faster, more efficient cycle times and ways of enabling processors to create more progressive designs. As window design becomes more creative, it is certain that the niche practice of frame bending will keep manufacturers busy. QUALITY GUARANTEES With guarantees being of paramount importance to both installers and homeowners, a recent survey has shown that the BSI Kitemark is recognised by 82 per cent of the UK population. Locksmiths are grasping that a BSI Kitemarked products are a key selling point to homeowners. For 91% of the population, Kitemarked products are synonymous with quality and assurance, making these much more popular with end users. It would seem that locksmiths are increasingly recognising that a BSI Kitemark offers viable reassurance, with the enhanced security

it provides. People trust the symbols, with consumers and businesses accepting the logo as a sign of durability and quality. Locksmiths can prove that the products they are installing have been authenticated independently by an approved authority. BSI procedures include an audit of the lock makers’ manufacturing facilities along with their quality management systems. BSI also insists on regular retesting of products.

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COVID-19 CORONA VIRUS INFO 31 YEARS OF SASH WINDOW EXPERIENCE – AT YOUR SERVICE

Due to circumstance, this might be the very first time you are considering changing your sash window supplier. Or, perhaps you just want to try an alternative award winning sash window specialist to offer your customers a wider choice. Either way, we would like to help you to increase your VS sales. With 31 years focussed on manufacturing high quality timber alternative sash windows, we are true specialists and confident that our products will impress your customers. We have also earned a sound reputation for always providing an exceptional level of personal service and our entire team are committed to delivering this. Having just launched our new specification for 2019 featuring exclusive new Masterframe Systems, standard with patented Timberweld ® technology, we would welcome the opportunity to take you through the improved product offering and delighted to quote you within 24 hours. No matter the size or design of a home or project, if sash windows are required then we can help. If a specialist solution is required for a conservation area, modern development, school or historic building our sash windows add the right amount of authentic styling to either fit seamlessly into original settings or set the property apart from other new developments. Tel: 01376 510410 email: [email protected] FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US ANY TIME!

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to download our new brochures. Some of the advantages we offer as standard: 10 year guarantee for peace of mind Made in Britain for continuity

BBA Approval on standard window sizes for longevity Energy Savings Trust recommended for energy efficiency Specialist solutions for challenging projects that require matching new to original designs Free and safe UK mainland delivery Quotes within 24 hours with customer proposal CAD drawings where required Expert technical support Free 47 page professional conservation guide Free product training and factory visit Call our friendly sales team on 01376 510410 or email for a fast quote.

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F E N E S T R A T I O N N E W S F R O M A D I F F E R E N T P E R S P E C T I V E

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W W W . D O U B L E G L A Z I N G B L O G G E R . C O M

COVID-19 CORONA VIRUS INFO

NATIONAL FENESTRATION AWARDS TO RESTRUCTURE 2020 CAMPAIGN TO REFLECT THE NATIONAL EFFORT I n response to the rapidly changing developments with the coronavirus crisis, the National Fenestration Awards are announcing a series of changes to it’s 2020 campaign to reflect the current situation. Much of the installation community remains at home, not working right now. Therefore it has been decided that the planned re-launch of the Cool Wall installations competition will not go ahead this year. Jason Grafton-Holt, Director, commented: “at this time, when the installation community in our industry is at home, unable to work, worried about the future, it seems insensitive to run an installation-specific competition at this time.” The start of the 2020 campaign saw the introduction of some regionalised categories. The idea being that champions would be found for each region, and then an overall national winner voted on. Allowing for a range of winners in each region, as well as a national one. This idea will remain part of the NFAs going forwards, but will instead be moved to the 2021 campaign. Any nominees put forward thus far will be included and all categories will revert back to their national format. In light of the current national effort to help reduce the spread of the virus and help protect the NHS, a number of categories for 2020 will be turned into new “Covid Hero” categories. These will be aimed at shining a light on people and companies in UK fenestration that have gone above and beyond to help others in need. There are already amazing acts of kindness and charity coming from people in UK fenestration, and the NFAs wants to focus on those for 2020. Jason went on to say: “we have already started to see a lot of people and companies doing some amazing things as part of the national effort to

beat COVID-19. Its right that the NFAs switch focus and praise those that are doing incredible things.”

Finally, the National Fenestration Awards has announced that dates for the 2020 campaign will now be open-ended until further notice. The team have explained that whilst lockdown conditions look set to continue for longer than we all hoped, and social distancing appearing to be required for at least the rest of the year, it does not make any sense to apply dates to its nomination and voting phases whilst the industry isn’t working or able to operate as normal. Jason commented: “there is nothing certain right now, and if you take a closer look at previous government and SAGE advice a couple of weeks ago, its clear social distancing measures are going to be here for a while, perhaps until the end of the year. We thought it was prudent to allow as much time as possible for the 2020 NFA campaign to run, which is why we have suspended all campaign dates and it will run for as long as is needed. We will announce new end dates for each phase when the picture becomes clearer.” “I also want to say a massive thank you to all our sponsors for their continued support. The NFAs is a positive platform with an inspiring ethos. If, during all of this sadness and difficulty, we can at the end of the year bring a ray of sunshine to the industry, then hopefully we will have achieved something great”. Alterations to the NFA website to reflect these changes will appear on the NFA website over the coming days. Web: www.fenestrationawards.co.uk Twitter: @NatFenAwards Facebook: www.facebook.com/NatFenAwards Tel: 01924 911234 Email: [email protected]

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The NFAs wants to thanks the fantastic staff at the NHS and the entire health care network for the amazing work they are doing in looking after the UK during this very tough time!

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MORLEY LAUNCHES NEW AND IMPROVED APP U ni-blinds® integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass & Glazing has developed a new and improved app with home Using the app, blinds can be programmed to open and close at set times of the day, especially useful when homeowners are on holiday, and they can even be linked via a subscription service to temperature controls, allowing them to close automatically before rooms get too hot.

integration company Loxone, allowing users to open and close their motorised integral blinds from a tablet or smartphone. By integrating Morley Glass & Glazing’s fully electronic MB System Uni-Blinds® into the Loxone app, blinds can now be operated using WiFi connected devices from anywhere in the world. The app is available for immediate installation into MB Systems, including retrofitting into previous projects. Ian Short, Morley Glass & Glazing managing director, said: “We were inundated with requests from customers for a way to operate their integral blinds remotely using an app. We worked closely with DV Smarthomes in association with Loxone to make sure the final product not only offers all the features we have been asked for, but a lot more besides.”

Finally, the app can be integrated into home automation systems via the Loxone Miniserver, offering flexibility and expandability with up to 30 extensions to integrate various domestic applications such as lighting, heating, safety and security, energy management and entertainment systems.

For more information, visit www.morleyglass.co.uk.

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UK SELF-EMPLOYED SUPPORT SCHEME ANNOUNCED

I n an announcement that has long been awaited, Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor unveiled the next set of measures, designed to help the self-employed workers of the UK. This affects our fenestration industry

as many in sales and installation are self-employed. It will be called: Coronavirus Self-employment Income Support Scheme. THESE ARE THE KEY DETAILS ACCORDING TO THE BBC: • a taxable grant will be paid to the self-employed or partnerships, worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month • this will be available for three months in one lump-sum payment, and will start to be paid from the beginning of June • more than half of a claimant’s income needs to come from self-employment • the scheme will be open to those with a trading profit of less than £50,000 in 2018-19, or an average trading profit of less than £50,000 from 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 • those who are recently self-employed and do not have a full year of accounts will not receive any help under this scheme There are two points here that will stand out for a lot of people. The cash not being available until June will be far too long for a lot of people, and may still result in job losses and bankruptcies. Second, if you have been self-employed for less than a year, you’re not going to be eligible. There will be calls already for the money to be made available much quicker.

Whilst I agree that the length of time is going to be difficult for many self-employed, we have to consider that the infrastructure to pay people doesn’t exist yet and that takes some time to put together. THIS IS HOW TO CLAIM: • HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will use existing information to identify those eligible and will invite applications • the application will require them to confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements • it will be paid straight into a bank account, which eligible taxpayers will need to confirm on their application form • people do not need to contact HMRC now, if they are eligible HMRC will contact them directly Will the self-employed be happy with this? No other scheme exists like this in most parts of the world, so the fact its been announced is a big deal in itself. With no existing infrastructure to start the scheme immediately, it will take some time to build.

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ALOK SHARMA PUBLISHES LETTER TO UK CONSTRUCTION ON COVID-19

To help ensure that it is safe for you to operate in your workplace, the industry has worked to develop Site Operating Procedures (SOP), which were published by the Construction Leadership Council. These align with the latest guidance from Public Health England. As this health guidance updates, the SOP will reflect any changes. I am in regular contact with industry leaders about the developing situation that faces the sector. And I am fully committed to continuing to engage through the coming days, weeks and beyond. Thank you again to everyone operating in the UK construction sector. You are making a hugely valued and critical contribution to the resilience of our Nation and I salute you for the enormous efforts you are individually undertaking to support the UK economy.

A lok Sharma, The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, has written to UK construction with updated guidance with regards to Coronavirus. This is the statement:

To everyone working in the UK’s construction sector,

In these challenging times, I want to pay tribute to all those who are working tirelessly within the construction industry. Delivering on large or small construction sites across the country, in builders’ merchants and logistics providers, or producing construction and mineral products. Our country and our economy needs all our support. And the construction industry has answered the call to action. Whether by building temporary hospital wards, installing complex and life-saving oxygen systems, constructing the infrastructure that society needs to function or ensuring that people have safe and healthy homes to live in, you are delivering for our Nation through this difficult time. My heartfelt and personal thanks for everything that each and every one of you is doing to support our joint national effort. The Government has advised that wherever possible, people should work at home. However, we know that for many people working in construction their job requires them to travel to their place of work, and they can continue to do so. This is consistent with the Chief Medical Officer’s advice.

Yours sincerely,

THE RT HON ALOK SHARMA MP

Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Where I’m struggling with this guidance is that Government are trusting major construction companies and their workers to abide by the PHE guidelines. We have all seen images and video over the past couple of weeks of construction sites and tubes in London packed. The problem is Government is relying on people and companies to do the right thing, yet we all know that the reality is many won’t. We’re into April now, and this phase of the lockdown is about half way through. I doubt the Government will leave it until the last day to lengthen it. Spain and Italy and other’s have moved quickly to extend theirs, I suspect ours will be extended in the coming days. And when they do, it will be until at least the end of April.

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ALAN BURGESS: LIFE AFTER COVID

T his is a guest article by Alan Burgess, Director Owner of Masterframe Windows Ltd: As we each reflect upon self isolation, the restrictions to halt the spread and the past times we are missing, whilst the NHS staff, doctors, nurses and other emergency services work tirelessly to combat this plague our thoughts must turn towards LAC, Life after Covid. Be sure, life will resume after this virus loosens its grip on the country. Different, certainly, normality, maybe but the sun will rise again, the birds will still sign their songs and human nature will make us hold onto cash. This however will be a further disaster. After the financial crash 2008, the circulation of money dried up. If each person were to pay 90% of their bills (keeping 10% because there isn’t enough money at the moment) by the time the 2nd person in the chain, does the same etc, there’s barely enough cash to pay the last person 10% of what they were expecting! With government loans, grants, VAT holidays etc and staff costs being covered with Furloughed scheme, it is vital that we each play our part to get the cash flowing again. Retail customers and large

companies alike, need to pay their contractors and suppliers promptly, no delays or excuses, so that medium sized companies can themselves pay the smaller firms and their suppliers. Dont misunderstand me, its going to be challenging. Most businesses juggle cashflow monthly (if not weekly), and with everything thats happened, it will be so easy to say, “theres no cash available” but this will simply delay our individual recovery and that of the country. Additionally, we are highly likely to see preferencial treatment given to those who do pay their bills on time, again its human nature, companies will be reluctant to offer extended terms to those they offered, pre virus. Obtaining the governements funding should therefore pay dividends, even though it creates a financial noose for the term of the loan. Financial prudency and good planning now, will pay dividends later. Dont wait for 3 or 4 weeks, start now to ensure your business is adequatly funded for a quick recovery, post Covid. Perhaps we will also reflect upon the salaries of those critical front line staff who have given so much, at the time of greates need! Discuss. Let me know what you think!

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UP TO ONE MILLION BUSINESSES COULD CLOSE IN WEEKS

S ounds dramatic doesn’t it. But thats the stark reality as businesses struggle to access the Government loans announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak a couple of weeks ago. Major banks have been in the firing line as they have been offering their own, more expensive commercial loans before offering the Government interest-free option. Then putting up further barriers to businesses when that option is presented. According to a BBC article, a network of accountants have warned that 800,000 – 1,000,000 businesses could be closed within the next few weeks. BANKS PROVIDING BARRIERS My colleague was talking to his accountant the other night and they predicted the same amount of businesses would close if cash was not given

immediately. The major banks appear to be trying to profit from a painful situation as they have been offering their own commercial loans with high interest rates and not offering the more preferable Government loan option, called the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans. These are interest free for 12 months. The mistake here by Government was trusting banks to provide these first before their own options to businesses. In this time of crisis, what should have happened is these loans should have been delivered by HMRC or local councils. Or at the very least it should have been legislated that the banks offer this to struggling businesses first before all other options. Banks have been hit with a massive surge in demand for CIBLs and five smaller lenders have since pulled out of the scheme saying they cannot cope. This is only going to make the situation worse. You can read more about the hurdles in

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front of some businesses which means 18% of companies may go to the wall: www.bbc.co.uk/ news/business-52114414 Banks are asking Directors asking for loans of more than £250,000 to sign personal guarantees. In this current climate, who is going to sign up to something like that? The Chancellor has warned that not every business would be saved during this period. It seems as though if cash does not start getting to some of these businesses in the next few days, we’re going to see the rate of closures ramp up dramatically in the next week or two. ECONOMIC FALLOUT RISING At the start of this crisis, as people were trying to predict what would happen after, many said that this wasn’t an issue of demand, and that it would be a V-shape recovery once we have got on top. I think its becoming clear now that the V-shape recovery is going to look more like the Nike tick. Steep drop, then a long time to recover. The argument that this is not a demand problem is now not valid. Regardless of whether the Government loads come in in time for the SMEs who need it, a big chunk of them still won’t survive the crisis unfortunately. We already know some companies are choosing to lay off staff rather than furlough them, despite Government support available. The reality remains that a lot of people will lose their jobs. In a report I referenced in an article on Monday, the Cebr predicts a rise in unemployment to 7%, and a drop of at least 5% in household consumption in 2020, recovering only to +4% in 2021. Business investment is also forecast to only recover to 2017 highs in 2032.

All of these points and more mean that demand is indeed going to be weakened and in a significant way. That doesn’t mean installers should not try their hardest to get in front of home owners and do their best to win their business. But we also have to be realistic. Once the all clear has been given, there won’t be a magic tap that is turned back on. Many will have lost their jobs. Businesses will have closed, including in our own sector. All of this serves to dampen demand as some home owners will have been unlucky enough to have lost their job, or some will hold on to their money until they feel more confident about the current situation. We won’t see a total shutdown of orders, not at all. Indeed some companies are still reporting some orders trickling in, even during lockdown which is of course welcome. But we have to be more realistic in our expectations once the UK gets the all clear. I have seen articles in the past few days which sound more like pleas for a bit of “pip pip, stiff upper lip” instead of realistic analysis of the >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82

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