NATFEN Digital Magazine Edition 28

NATFEN Digital Magazine Edition 28

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CLIPPINGS AND MUSINGS, MAY 2020 - HELEN DUVAL

T he swift and sudden change to our lives regarding work and social distancing combined with economic turmoil has naturally caused a variety of reactions. With everyone except essential workers in lockdown, for some it has been a good experience, being quieter, calmer and less stressful without the daily rush-hour commutes. For many however, there have been feelings of isolation all mixed with fears regarding job losses. The advice continues to be, stay at home if at all possible and if not, then keep your distance and wear face masks where necessary. The lack of control is frustrating for some workers and business owners, while others are experiencing a culture shift with the introduction of alternative ways to stay connected with the workforce and their customers. Zoom, Skype and Periscope have all provided new ways to hold business meetings. The world is getting used to adapting to working, or making plans to work, together again when this plague has been eradicated. Yet, not everyone finds it easy to adjust to the cur-rent restrictions, as some are struggling to cope with work invading their home space.

With so many people now being forced to stay at home, where the environment is not necessarily conducive to work conditions and there is no social space to escape to, can be costly when it comes to mental health. Shared rooms, limited space and home-schooling requirements are really taking their toll for some. Loneliness will lead to ongoing mental health issues that can lead to more longer term issues such as anxiety and depression. According to a recent report, BUPA has stated that workplace psychologists are fully booked for virtual consultations for the next 3 months. There has been a 300% increase in calls to the company’s health and wellbeing advice line since coronavirus took its grip on the UK. We are not alone however, this global pandemic has hit virtually all other countries which have also experienced a rise in calls to work and mental health counsellors. Every mood and emotion will be heightened right now. Insomnia, mood swings and enhanced fears about issues that normally could be easily overcome are affecting a lot of people. Slowly but surely, people are realising that their workforce needs more than just fiscal guarantees regarding jobs and payment.

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This is a learning process that we are all now having to try to understand.

Webinars, psychological support online, as well as virtual ‘social gatherings’ have been initiated to combat some of the issues arising because of the lockdown. Other employers have introduced online happy hours, talent competitions and there are now many quizzes occurring all across the web. People have become very creative in their attempts to maintain positive morale with their workers. Some companies have launched weekly working parents discussions to focus on work is-sues, home schooling, dealing with toddlers, challenges for carers and how to cope both mentally and physically when working from home. Even when the new normal is introduced, it will take some time to work out the best way forward for each one of us. For now, we have to accept working environments have changed and we are all adapting. We are not alone in this. There are resources and someone is there at the end of the phone or on a virtual screen to talk to about the vast is-sues associated with Mental Health and Wellness. For anyone wishing to discuss matters in complete confidence here are a few useful links:

Abrupt lifestyle changes affect us in different ways but fear does tend to be one of the biggest issues to overcome. Its side effects work in all of us differently but there are companies out there who recognise that to support their workforce with positive reinforcement will help to strengthen team morale during this time.

Combatting The Challenges Of Lockdown

Mental health is now more in focus than ever and right at this moment it is extremely challenging. Every person’s situation is different with some living alone and others having multi-generational homes - all of which can have their issues. Knowing when to put in hours and being overly self-critical in an unfamiliar work environment is very difficult for some, while others may worry they are not doing enough. Social isolation is not something any of us are used to and it will hopefully be short-lived. It is natural that many will feel the effects both economically and mentally with concerns about the future taking a priority. In a recent survey of 500 people now working from home, 60% admitted doing less exercise while 20% confessed to increasing their alcohol intake. Some companies are introducing new methods to connect in virtual social groups online. Others are introducing guided meditation sessions to help people switch from work mode when at home. Employee assistance programmes have become very popular, to help teams with sleep related issues and increased anxiety since lockdown began. With so much uncertainty company bosses have begun to introduce novel ways to help combat the isolation and mental health issues some of their workforce are experiencing.

www.anxietyuk.org.uk www.thecalmzone.net www.mentalhealth.org.uk www.mind.org.uk www.papyrus-uk.org www.refuge.org.uk www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk www.cruse.org.uk

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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!

Designed for those who appreciate authentic detailing

To see the choices, including patented Timberweld ® corner design, download our new brochures. Visit www.masterframe.co.uk

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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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 GLASS WORKS WITH NFAS TO GIVE AWAY FIVE VIRTUAL SHOWROOMS FOR FREE I n an effort to help installers adapt to the new normal as the industry begins it’s toughest ever fight, Morley Glass has teamed up with to help demonstrate their products to home owners. The recording work will be done by VideoProduction4, who are sponsoring the National Fenestration Awards.

the National Fenestration Awards and Fenestration Digital to give away five free virtual showrooms! In an age where social distancing is going to change how we all do business, the virtual and digital worlds are going to play an important part of winning future business for installers. Virtual showrooms are a great way to provide product information, videos and presentations to home owners who for a variety of reasons may not be able to visit in person. Right now COVID-19 is the focus, but for those who have a disability or are unable to get to the showroom for other reasons, this is the next best thing. Morley Glass, who are funding these amazing virtual showrooms to five lucky installations companies, have already created their own virtual showroom. Follow this link to explore their showroom and see all the features that are available: www.morleyglass.co.uk/virtual- tour-reception These first five virtual showrooms are going to be given to five lucky installers for free, with the help of long time NFA supporters Morley Glass. The NFAs & Fenestration Digital will work with the five installers to put together the recording of their showroom, as well as incorporating interactive hotspots within the virtual showroom

VideoProduction4 are experts in the creation of virtual tours and have experience in delivering virtual tours across a variety of sectors. The immediate future for residential fenestration is very much in the digital world and Fenestration Digital & National Fenestration Awards are working to help installers adapt to the new business world. Installers are able to put their names forward for this exclusive service here: www.videoproduction4.co.uk/virtual-tours This service is now live for all installers and to fabricators who wish to roll this out to their installer network. The virtual showroom programme is part of a longer term service that the NFAs, and with the support of www.fenestrationdigital.co.uk and www.doubleglazingblogger.com will roll out to the entire installation sector in residential fenestration. Future virtual showrooms will be subsidised by the NFAs and Fenestration Digital in order to make the service as accessible as possible to as many installers as possible. Enquiry forms will be set up on all three websites to allow installers to register their interest.

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To find our more, you can get in touch with the NFAs and Fen digital via the following: Email: [email protected] Twitter: @NatFenAwards @fendigital @vidproduction4 @morleyglassglaz Website: www.fenestrationawards.co.uk

You can get in touch with Fenestration Digital via the following:

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @FenDigital Website: www.fenestrationdigital.co.uk Phone: 01924 911234 / 07437 854225

www.fenestrationdigital.co.uk www.videoproduction4.co.uk www.morleyglass.co.uk Phone: 01924 911234 / 07437 854225

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NEW Slimline SL16 integral blinds

Ideal for composite doors and vertical sliding windows Slider or cord controlled options

Available in white, beige or silver

ONLY fromMorley Glass & Glazing

ORDER TODAY

www.morleyglass.co.uk

Quotes available in 60 minutes.

from

Tel: 0113 277 8722 Email: [email protected] Direct fax for quotations: 0113 277 8723 Morley Glass & Glazing Ltd, Unit 3, Leeds 27 Industrial Estate, Bruntclie Way, Leeds LS27 0HH

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· 70mm sash and 80mm frame · Double rebated for extreme weather · Discreet external seal · Fully foiled for authenticity · Welded or mechanically jointed

A new generation of flush sash windows…

01332 883900 [email protected] www.liniar.co.uk/resurgence

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glass technology

RapidLam Shape: More Scope To Shape The Future.

Shape Cutting of Laminated Glass as a Compact Unit More possibilities to cut shapes and free forms on laminated glass. Can be integrated into an existing line, or as stand-alone machine. This compact machine uses synchronised turning cutting heads, providing precise results that match the cutting plan. • Automatic cutting of free forms in laminated glass • Can be used as part of a cutting line or as stand-alone machine • Laser foil separation can be installed at a later date

10 NFA DIGITAL MAY 2020 HEGLA Machinery (UK) Ltd. •Buckinghamshire•MK8 0AJ•E-mail: [email protected]

www.hegla.co.uk

GENERAL

NEW EXPANSION FOR HEGLA UK

H EGLA UK, has now relocated to new separation with Bystronic glass UK at the end of 2019, the company has now moved to a more centralised location that is better suited to support HEGLA’s business needs and those of its customers. The new offices and warehouse, based in Burntwood, Staffordshire, are more suitable to accommodate the growing range of HEGLA products as well as the expanding team of engineers. Being centrally located and currently holding £150k of HEGLA Cutting Table Spares makes it an ideal base for distribution and collection. premises as part of a larger expansion programme. Since the mutually agreeable This year has seen the leading specialist machinery company expand its UK team with a fully independent team of highly experienced engineers as well as administrative staff which will be added to in the coming months. Steve Goble, Managing Director, HEGLA UK commented: “We are confident that the support the HEGLA UK team can now provide will be even better than before, in combination with direct access to our German service department. At

this new site we will be able to hold more spares stock and offer better meeting facilities for our customers if required.” Maintenance agreements go hand in hand with the expansion to provide customers with improved guarantees and better cover all round in terms of their investments. Paul Gibbs, Sales Manager comments, “With the recent developments we have a clear and defined growth strategy. The new building offers us space to supply to customer demands and will allow us more control over the company’s destination.” Steve Goble concludes: “The industry is going through a period of change and uncertainty at the moment. Customers want reassurances and consequently the move gives us a much more central base with a growing service team not only to support existing HEGLA customers but to support what we hope will be the successful introduction of the HEGLA TaiFin range of Furnaces for Flat Architectural and Curved Automotive Glass.” For more information on the HEGLA Group’s automated system solutions or furnaces please call: 0330 124 5759

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Increase your profits with integral blinds

ORDER TODAY

www.morleyglass.co.uk

Quotes available in 60 minutes.

from

Tel: 0113 277 8722 Email: [email protected] Direct fax for quotations: 0113 277 8723

Morley Glass & Glazing Ltd, Unit 3, Leeds 27 Industrial Estate, Bruntclie Way, Leeds LS27 0HH

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MORLEY GLASS & GLAZING RESTARTS OPERATIONS

I ntegral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass & Glazing has re-opened its doors as part of a safe and structured return to work, after pausing operations at the end of March. A skeleton admin team returned last week to process orders, provide quotes and respond to customer enquiries. Limited manufacturing with a reduced workforce resumed this week, and will be increased steadily during the coming weeks, ensuring the safety and well-being of all staff. Customer and staff safety measures include the provision of full PPE equipment and hand sanitiser cleaning stations, regular temperature checks, deep cleaning of all work areas and strict social distancing regulations, which will be carefully monitored. Ian Short, managing director at Morley Glass & Glazing, said: “Our staff and customers have been so supportive during this difficult time. We were conscious that some of our commercial sector customers have been working throughout the lockdown and that we were seeing an increasing

demand from our retail customers too, so a return to work at reduced capacity was a feasible option. “Despite one of our major suppliers being in Italy, we have a secure supply chain, good stock levels and can maintain our 10 day delivery schedule for all orders placed by 11am Friday of every week, subject to ongoing restrictions that may remain in place. “We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt to any future requirements to ensure that we are doing everything we can to support a continued safe return to work. The welfare of our staff and customers is paramount.” Morley Glass & Glazing is the UK’s largest manufacturer of sealed units with ScreenLine integral blinds inside. Systems can be controlled manually, cordless, solar controlled or electric. They are available in a wide range of colours and are suitable for all types of window and door frames.

For more information visit www.morleyglass.co.uk

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TheLeadingPVCu Window&Door manufacturer

Windows&Doors PVCu

JASONS CONTENT

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5 DAY TURNAROUND 12 TRADE CENTRES 15 YEAR GUARANTEE

35 YEARS TRADING 80% RECYCLED CONTENT

028 9446 2419 [email protected]

7000 FRAMES A WEEK

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LINIAR MOVES SWIFTLY TO HELP FRONT LINE WORKERS I nnovative PVCu systems company Liniar has developed a new supply chain whilst its extrusion facility is temporarily closed – producing protective face visors for front line workers during the COVID19 crisis.

Whilst most of the workforce was furloughed, with a skeleton team working from home, discussions turned to ways in which we could help. Social media had told us NHS staff, care workers, nursing homes and many others were in desperate need of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) which was in short supply… and Liniar had a 3D printer sitting in a now-empty office in Derbyshire.

Liniar’s Design team, led by Design & Development Director Chris Armes, began to trial designs for a 3D printed visor, made up of a medical-grade headband and a simple A4 acetate sheet which would be slotted in. The final design chosen was ergonomic, comfortable for the user to wear, and would allow a full range of movement whilst fitting over the top of masks and glasses.

those contacting Liniar. Furloughed employees volunteered to come into a carefully planned, socially distanced environment at Liniar House in order to make this happen. Liniar’s protective visors are being provided free of charge to front line and key workers. Customers or others wishing to purchase visors for their own operations will be charged cost price, plus a small donation equivalent to Liniar’s donation to enable the company to continue to supply FOC to our amazing front line services. This way we are all effectively supporting and joining in. Chris comments, “Once we saw the need out there, we immediately started looking for ways we could help our key workers. With a workforce of more than 500, many of our employees have relatives working for the NHS, in care homes and on the front line, and we wanted to support them in the first instance. “It feels great to be part of such a proactive company – as soon as I highlighted the fact we could massively increase production by ordering a

The Design team volunteered to take turns working in 4-hour shifts, day and night, to man the printer whilst it slowly churned out the visors. In the meantime, discussions were taking place about procuring an injection moulding tool, which would enable the team to mass-produce the visors for as long as they were needed. Once costed, Liniar immediately authorised the £20k investment, the tool was ordered and a production, packing and logistics process was put into place to distribute the visors to

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new tool, the expenditure was authorised. Our flat structure and constant communication meant we could put everything in place as swiftly as possible in order to be up and running with minimal delays. “I’d also like to thank everyone who’s giving up their time to make such a positive difference to those who need it most at this critical time – we’re all proud of you!”

needs protective visors or those wishing to help with distribution should email us at info@ liniar.co.uk. Liniar is also helping the NHS through a JustGiving page – the company has donated a raffle prize of £1,000-worth of products, which you can win by donating a minimum of £10. The more you donate, the more chances you have to win. Read more at www.liniar.co.uk/raffle-to-support-nhs.

Full production of up to 3,000 visors per day should commence on 27th April. Anyone who

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· 70mm sash and 80mm frame · Double rebated for extreme weather · Discreet external seal · Fully foiled for authenticity · Welded or mechanically jointed

A new generation of flush sash windows…

01332 883900 [email protected] www.liniar.co.uk/resurgence

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Considering video marketing? From design to online distribution, we can help.

Web: www.videoproduction4.co.uk | Call: 07437 854225

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GOING FOR GREEN

P ost-consumer glass recycling, a green the measures Morley Glass & Glazing is taking to become a greener and more sustainable business. The sealed unit manufacturer that specialises in integral blinds has created a new brochure and new sustainability area of its website to illustrate its green credentials and also help demonstrate to other manufacturers how they too could become more sustainable and support their local communities. funding initiative, and making use of waste products through upcycling are some of Ian Short, managing director at Morley Glass & Glazing said: “We still have a long way to go in our green journey but we hope that by sharing our experiences we’ll be able to inspire others to do the same. As a profitable and successful company, we’ve always believed in giving back and supporting local communities and good causes through donations and sponsorship. We also aim to improve our own environmental sustainability within the factory, as well as finance the creation of new environmental projects in our local area with our newly launched green fund.”

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GLASS RECYCLING Morley Glass & Glazing recently teamed up with Saint-Gobain Glass to recycle post-consumer glass free of charge for installers and other tradespeople, helping to divert glass from old windows from landfill. A glass crushing machine has been installed at Morley’s factory in Leeds to crush glass from the manufacturing process (pre- consumer glass) and glass that has been taken out of old windows that have reached the end of their life (post-consumer glass). The cullet is then returned to Saint-Gobain Glass to be re-used in the manufacture of new float glass. Morley is then donating the money from the scheme to local good causes that focus on green projects such as sensory gardens, community or school allotments, nature reserves and other environmental initiatives. The scheme could see up to £50,000 per year being donated to green initiatives. Ian Short says: “It seems such a waste for our vans to return empty after delivering our sealed units with integral blinds inside throughout the UK, so why not encourage our customers to pack them full of old windows and doors that they are replacing. This saves our customers the cost and inconvenience of disposing of them to landfill or other commercial recycling schemes that will levy a charge for the service. We will then separate the metal and frames from the glass and ensure each element is recycled and re-used as fully as possible.” Using one tonne of cullet saves 1.2 tonnes of raw material, including 850kg of sand; reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 300kg. To date the scheme has generated 131 tonnes of cullet and saved 40,000kg of CO2 emissions. Mirrored, lacquered and coated glass can all be returned and used in the manufacturing process. As cullet takes less energy to process than raw materials, this benefits both Saint-Gobain Glass and the environment.

UPCYCLING Also, as a UK manufacturer there are a number of sustainable resources from Morley’s supply chain which can be easily upcycled to create environmentally friendly products. These include glass offcuts which are made into pieces of art, coasters and decorations, and wooden packaging boxes which have been turned into time capsules, treasure chests and memory boxes, toy boxes and display cases – some of which are then sold and the money raised donated to charity. INVESTING IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY But being sustainable isn’t all about reducing, reusing and recycling resources. It’s also about being a good corporate citizen, giving something back and supporting your local community. Every year Morley Glass sponsors a wide range of grass roots sports clubs, dance societies, festivals, youth clubs and other local and national charities. From donations and long-term sponsorship deals to hosting fund-raising events and physically lending a hand to refurbish and regenerate local community facilities, Morley is making a real difference to disadvantaged individuals and groups in the local area and beyond. Ian Short adds: “A business is only sustainable if it is effective and efficient, and respectful of the communities in which it operates. This includes the business environment – sustaining jobs and delivering valued products and services to its customers; and also giving back to society by conserving environmental resources as well as supporting organisations that help the most vulnerable in our society. I feel it’s our duty and honour to help others where we can.” Download Morley Glass & Glazing’s sustainability brochure at www.morleyglass.co.uk/sustainability.

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STAGING A RETURN TO BUSINESS AS USUAL AT MASTERFRAME AN UPDATE FOR CUSTOMERS FROM CAROL SLADE – MANAGING DIRECTOR

D ear Customers,

We trust that you, your family and employees are all keeping safe and

well during these uncertain times. The Prime Minister has now announced a formal request for manufacturers to return to work and at Masterframe we are rising to this challenge and phasing in our transition to a fully operational business.

This will take some time and patience and in order to reach this target as soon as possible, we have put in place some important measures to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and suppliers. In the meantime, please see below an update on what we have done to speed up the process and how we can help you right now with all your sash window requirements. OUR NEW CODE OF CONDUCT:

OUR FACILITIES Using government guidelines, we have produced a fully comprehensive Return to Work Document for our workforce containing 53 rules and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment. These are just some of the new measures we have adopted at our facility that will soon become the new normal for the Masterframe team. • All employees have their temperature checked on entering the building and are no longer required to use the clock in system. • The factory has been reorganised to ensure social distancing rules can be applied and PPE is to be worn when this is not possible.

• Limited access is allowed to common areas such as kitchens, stores and canteens with breaks staggered to assist in achieving this. TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS - CUSTOMERS The business has carried out a risk assessment for the transportation and delivery of goods whilst considering the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and PPE. The majority of windows that we deliver weigh in excess of that which one person could safely manoeuvre and unload, therefore we will still require assistance from our valued customer to take delivery and unload windows. In order to minimise the risks to our customers and to

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our staff we have adopted the following practices. We will also need to know any special requirements you might have in advance of your delivery. • As with all staff members, prior to starting work each day, drivers will have their temperature checked using a non-contact thermometer and any member of staff showing any signs of COVID-19 will be sent home for isolation. • Each driver has been allocated a 7.5 tonne vehicle to minimise the possibility of spreading the virus.

• Each driver has been issued PPE, face masks and face shields to protect himself and to keep our valued customer safe. We respectively request that customers provide the same PPE for their staff members assisting with offloading that might come within 2m of our driver. • Each driver will have sanitiser gel, which he will use directly prior to and after delivery. • At the end of each day the delivery vehicle will be cleaned down using alcohol cleaning wipes to minimise the risk of the virus living on any surface. • Our driver will take a photo of the delivery and sign the delivery paperwork on your behalf, once you authorise him to do so. A copy of this will be e-mailed to you on his return. We anticipate that a phased delivery schedule will commence 18th May, 2020 KEEPING IN TOUCH – MEETINGS We are allowing limited access to our facilities and have suspended outgoing customer visits for

our mutual protection. Instead, we have set up Zoom, which we have been using successfully and this will be our preferred method of face to face communication until circumstances change. We plan to keep in touch with our customers on a regular basis with updates and to hear about any concerns or special requests that you might have. CONTACTING US: Our team will be returning on a phased in basis and you can call us on our office number 01376 510410. Our regular e-mail addresses for quotes, orders and customer care are being monitored and there is a number of experienced staff available to contact as follows:- QUOTES Please use [email protected] for all your quotation requirements. ORDERS AND LEAD TIMES To place your new orders please use orders@ masterframe.co.uk. Due to our shutdown, our lead

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CUSTOMER CARE:

times will be longer so please try and get your orders in as soon as possible so that we can try and accommodate your customers preferred date. We anticipate that orders placed now will have a July delivery. TECHNICAL ADVICE

If you have any new issues to report, please e-mail [email protected]. Due to the social distancing challenges that would arise with a home visit, these will not be conducted at this time, however, if you require any parts that could assist you with a quick rectification, then please send your request to the above e-mail address. We will advise further when the site visit facility is back on track. THANK YOU: We would like to thank you all for your patience at this time and assure you that we will do our very best to give you the service and quality products you deserve in spite of the setbacks. As we return to the business, we are determined to do all we can to give you a head start when customers regain their enthusiasm for renovating the homes they have come to appreciate more than ever before.

Technical advice is always available from Masterframe as follows:

Ray Rabett our Technical & Compliance Director [email protected]

Richard Howe our National Sales Manager [email protected]

John Samuels our Bygone National Sales Manager [email protected] ACCOUNTS QUERIES AND PAYMENTS Shirley Campion, our Accounts Manager can be contacted with queries and with regards to payments on Shirley.Campion@masterframe. co.uk. Please note that our regular payment terms still apply. We are committed to keeping to our supplier’s terms and therefore we ask that you please ensure all outstanding amounts are settled on time.

Our very best wishes to you all

Carol Slade Managing Director

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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!

Designed for those who appreciate authentic detailing

To see the choices, including patented Timberweld ® corner design, download our new brochures. Visit www.masterframe.co.uk

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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YOUR DIGITAL DOSE OF THE NEWS THAT MATTERS CHANGING THE STATUS QUO

#BETTERNEWS

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FIVE EXTRA FREE VIRTUAL TOURS OFFERED AS FIRST FIVE WINNERS

ARE ANNOUNCED! I n challenging times we feel it is important to support the industry at every level. In order to offer installers greater marketing and digital support, a further five free virtual tours will be given away this month thanks to the support of Morley Glass & Glazing. With social distancing changing business methods, the virtual world and digital benefits now play a pivotal and very relevant role for installers who are looking for new business. Last month saw such a positive result in relation to the virtual tour giveaways, and with the kind generosity of Morley Glass, who provided funding for an additional 6th tour, it has been possible to support the installers in this sector. The winners were announced on Friday night with the @fendigital and @glazingblogger periscope discussion. The first five winners were - Options Glazing, Exeter doors & windows, Droysldon Glass, Alexander Windows and Window plus, because of the massive demand Ian Short of Morley Glass decided to give away a 6th which was given to DGA Frames. With the Fenestration Digital, Morley Glass and the NFAs working together, installers can benefit from this latest marketing support solution. Virtual showrooms provide an excellent resource to highlight product quality and the associated product guarantees, using videos and visual presentations to homeowners.

COVID-19 has brought the digital world into focus, but beyond its parameters, for people who are unable to visit showrooms or for people who have disabilities, this virtual world offers an ideal solution to understand the products and what can be gained from them. For companies such as McDermott Windows, the virtual tours have proved invaluable. Having spoken to a number of installers, they are delighted with how easy it is to use the virtual tours and upload them onto a website. You can see the case study video on how it works and why Emma and Stephen wanted to use this tech on this video link- www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WW32Pn0z-oA. The National Fenestration Awards, Fenestration Digital, Morley Glass and VideoProduction4 have once again joined forces to give away a further five free virtual showrooms, which incorporate interactive hotspots that highlight the advantages of products. A new competition has now been launched for installers as well as for fabricators who wish to distribute this marketing support out to their installer network. Ian Short at Morley Glass has donated a further five tours for installers - the closing date for entries is Wednesday 10th June 2020, with winners announced on 12th June via Periscope. Installers can apply for one of the free, five showrooms here: www.videoproduction4.co.uk/ virtual-tours.

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MORLEY GLASS & GLAZING SHOWCASES SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS IN NEW BROCHURE P ost-consumer glass recycling, a green funding initiative, and making use of waste products through upcycling are some of the measures featured in a new sustainability brochure from Morley Glass & Glazing. The sealed unit manufacturer that specialises in integral blinds has created the new brochure and new sustainability area of its website to illustrate its credentials and also help demonstrate to other manufacturers how they too could become more sustainable and support their local communities. Ian Short, managing director at Morley Glass & Glazing said: “We still have a long way to go in our green journey but we hope that by sharing our experiences we’ll be able to inspire others to do the same. As a profitable and successful company, we’ve always believed in giving back and supporting local communities and good causes through donations and sponsorship. We also aim to improve our own environmental sustainability within the factory, as well as finance the creation of new environmental projects in our local area with our newly launched green fund.”

Morley Glass & Glazing recently teamed up with Saint-Gobain Glass to recycle post-consumer glass from installers and other tradespeople, helping to divert old windows from landfill. A glass crushing machine has been installed at Morley’s factory in Leeds to create cullet, which is then returned to Saint-Gobain Glass for the manufacture of new float glass. Morley is then donating the money from the scheme to local good causes that focus on green projects such as sensory gardens, allotments, and other environmental initiatives. Also, as a UK manufacturer there are a number of sustainable resources from Morley’s supply chain which can be easily upcycled to create environmentally friendly products. These include glass offcuts which are made into pieces of art, coasters and decorations, and wooden packaging boxes which have been turned into time capsules, treasure chests and memory boxes, toy boxes and display cases – some of which are then sold and the money raised donated to charity. Download the brochure at www.morleyglass. co.uk/wp-content/pdf/FV-Morley-Glass- Forever-A4-singles.pdf

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Take a different view in 2020

Call: 01269 846200 Find out why 3,000 installers chose Victorian Sliders in 2019

Vertical Sliding Window Company of the Year!

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CAN MANUFACTURING RECOVER FROM CORONAVIRUS?

I t is essential to recognise just how important manufacturing will be during the recovery stage from Covid19, whenever that may be. As it was after WWII it will create a backdrop for the UK economy moving forward. There is a natural frustration at the stringent limitations that have been imposed across the country; and a keen eagerness to set the wheels of industry into motion once again. In relation to manufacturing per se, the supply of raw materials has always had its issues and been subject to delays. Those companies with guaranteed delivery dates for customers, had possibly been preparing for disruptions regarding Brexit, so they could well have been stockpiling. With China and Italy supplying so much to this sector it is inevitable that once Lockdown has been eased, some businesses will be vulnerable to problems in their supply chain. Equally, across Europe manufacturing has suffered due to a fall in demand from other countries such as South Korea and Taiwan. When facing reductions in demand, the sector has been able to reduce running costs and by introducing furloughing schemes. There could well be casualties if strategising is not being carefully

considered. In general, once manufacturing has begun again properly in the UK, there is a chance to catch up, but this could well be determined by end user confidence in spending. Despite construction seeming one of the least affected industry sectors during the pandemic, there are still supply chain issues in relation to some materials and products. Skilled workers will remain a huge issue for the sector, particularly as so many Eastern European workers, that construction companies had come to rely upon, have now returned home to their own countries. SOCIALLY DISTANCED PRACTICES As we have all come to understand the social distancing rules have been imperative to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. The easing of restrictions will naturally not allow any of us to return to how things were before the disease hit our shores. It is inevitable that some form of social distancing will still be needed for some time to come, to ensure a second wave does not hit us in the Autumn and Winter months - none of which will make recovery from the economic slump any easier.

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In a recent survey from the National Association of Manufacturers, delays in deliveries and lockdown distancing have forced businesses to evaluate their positions moving into a post Lockdown UK. Those who had stockpiles of materials and products will face bottlenecks due to the current lack of demand. Even those manufacturers who can maintain normal operations with a skeleton team, they currently don't have the business that they did before the virus hit. Reuters recently polled over 50 economists worldwide. Forecasts have predicted a shrinking world economy by 6% this year. This extreme statistic was balanced by a more conservative belief in a global contraction of 1.2%. For any of us however, prediction is almost impossible and we could be pleasantly surprised at the speed of recovery, given how determined we have been to pull together through this pandemic. Stopping manufacturing so swiftly will naturally have had its consequences but as this virus plays out we have a chance to re-evaluate and restructure in measured ways.

All of us have had to adjust in both small and very sizeable ways …but look at what we have come through so far…even if this results in our lives being permanently changed. Reduced traffic and carbon emissions have come about as a result of less commuting - globally! Home-working could become preferable for many, which could result in more office space being converted from commercial to residential living space. A potential boost for construction. One thing is for sure after all this, paid sick leave could become more readily acknowledged, with employers recognising it is far better for workers to remain at home if they are ill. As for manufacturing, this could be a great opportunity for the country to relocate elements of the supply chain. With safety taking priority over costs the wording ‘Made In Britain’ has the opportunity to make a very positive and powerful impact for our manufacturing community and our country.

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DGB

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

QUALITY CONTENT

LATEST NEWS FIRST

FAR REACHING

Tackling genuine, thought provoking UK glazing industry issues on a daily and independent basis

Read the most important breaking news, features, opinion and PR long before you'll see them in print

Set to be read by over a quarter of a million people, creating over 350,000 page views (estimated 2020 stats)

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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

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PLANNING TO REBUILD A BUSINESS WITH CONFIDENCE W hile every business can have its bumps and unexpected blows such as contracts running into a snag or a regular, lucrative account is lost, there can be no tougher a battle than the one we all are facing now. Let’s face it this is not so much a thunderbolt as a seismic shift for the economy. The result of lockdown for smaller businesses and installers will have a number of consequences including financial, emotional and organisational which will need a considerable period readjustment in order to look at rebuilding… but planning will help. After the trauma and anger from the shock of all this begin to fade, frame of mind and attitude will drive the next move. HOW CAN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES BE USED AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADAPT AND THRIVE? The lockdown is giving everyone the opportunity to reflect and look at ways to develop new and lasting options for their business. WHAT LESSONS HAVE BEEN LEARNED? Although considered an economic disaster for most people, it depends on your viewpoint in order to refocus beyond the pandemic. Frequently, when disaster strikes, business owners of small businesses look to solve the immediate problems without taking a step back to consider business potential. We can all be guilty of that. The bigger picture will give valuable lessons as to how to move forward.

BE REASLISTIC ABOUT CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES

Consider the available resources and the strengths of your business. Are there any liabilities? Can any of these be converted into assets? Anything that comes to mind is important as it could well be something to build upon moving forward. Is the brand or the company’s services recognised for its high standards? Are investors in the business committed to it?

PINPOINT STRENGTHS TO FIND SOLUTIONS AND STRATEGIES.

Evaluate strengths, resources and liabilities. This will help to clarify new opportunities and the best way to progress things in order to achieve them. It may be that a short term as well as a long term strategy are required in order to rebuild. Look at the strengths of the business against the areas that could be weak. Excellent customer service and quality guarantees need to be highlighted. Perhaps there is an opportunity to alter the focus of a business into additional areas. The key is to be honest about the problems and clear about how to There are some key questions that will need realistic answers for any business plan to be put together and for it to work. Who is responsible for the changes that need to be made? Will other people need to be involved and if so to what extent? What actions are needed to move to the next stage? Is there a communications strategy and how can you evaluate its benefits and its progress? Take trusted advice once a clear picture evolves. implement change as lockdown eases. MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT This is a turbulent time, but there will be opportunities to adapt. The outcome could be better than you had ever hoped for when the tide changes.

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DGB | 2020

WWW.DOUBLEGLAZINGBLOGGER.COM

DYNAMIC, SHARP, AND ENGAGING WITH OVER 4100 PUBLISHED ARTICLES, 6300 COMMENTS AND APPROACHING TWO MILLION PAGE VIEWS, THE GLAZING INDUSTRY'S FRESHEST, SHARPEST AND RELEVANT OPINION AND DISCUSSION IS ON DGB. During 2020 DGB is set to be read by over 250,000 people, with over 170,000 of those unique. They will generate over 350,000 page views this year alone. DGB continues to grow and expand, covering even more of the diverse sector that is UK fenestration. Join the industry's best conversation: www.doubleglazingblogger.com

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CORONAVIRUS CREATES SOME POSITIVE NEWS

T he Coronavirus crisis creates an eery social feeds and on the television. We seem to be at the point where we want a complete break from it and yet we are almost frightened to switch off the news channels. The ‘Clap for Carers’ at 8 pm on Thursdays, is now a pivotal part of our weekly life and rightly so - never, in our lifetime have we seen so many people pulling together to support the NHS and essential workers. People are starting to recognise the importance of things we took for granted, such as dental appointments, bin collections, postal deliveries, grocery shopping and travel. In equal measure the ‘important celebrity’ life that normally floods our tabloids seems to have lost its appeal and gleam for many. A quiet sigh of relief for some if not all of us. fascination as well as a numbness from the constant pounding of sobering news in our Covid19 is currently a vile enemy but out of the ashes we are all seeing things change and we are coping as best we can. It’s a team effort. With that in mind, we are seeing a few positives emerge from all the suffering, from swans swimming in Venetian canals and other

environmental recovery to urban gangland ceasefires.

Coronavirus has changed daily life globally for many millions of people yet Mother Nature is fighting back. And perhaps we should listen to her as some of the results are good. For the wildlife across the globe they have been exploring and venturing into our cities and towns. The water has returned to a clear aqua blue in the canals in Venice while penguins have run amok in Cape Town with flocks of sheep venturing into Welsh towns. The Guardian recently reported that thanks to the lockdown in China, Giant Pandas Ying Ying and Le Le have finally gained the privacy they needed to mate. Yep, after 16 years together, being watched by an army of visitors and keepers hoping they would mate, all it needed was a little quietness and solitude. The crowds have now currently disappeared and they have been seen enjoying ‘time together’ in peace and quiet, by their keepers. Furthermore, The National People’s Congress party in China has announced a permanent ban on the trade of wild animals for food, with the resolution making all trade and eating of non-

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