Fenestration Digital Magazine edition 22

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@FenDigital www.fenestrationdigital.co.uk

ISSUE 22: FENESTRATION DIGITAL MAGAZINE

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F E N E S T R A T I O N D I G I T A L

CLIPPINGS AND MUSINGS, JULY 2020 - HELEN DUVAL

At least 4.5 billion people worldwide have been trying to cope with living with restricted, socially distant measures. That is half the worlds population. The global economy has naturally been severely affected with warnings from the IMF that we are about to hit the worst depression since the thirties. With lockdown now easing let us hope that enough has been done to stem the spread of this vile disease. Many jobs need people to work closely together and new systems will be strange for many to incorporate into their new working regime. Whilst people talk of herd immunity it is important to remember that this disease is an unknown - although everyone can hope that measures they have introduced will protect their team - vigilance is vital. Of course, in some jobs it is easier to adapt, with different working practices and departments requiring different measures to be introduced. However if we look at things, there is a need to change how we think about work and meetings.

Those who might be most at risk to Covid-19, are those who have regular close contact with many different people, but they are not used to being exposed to disease.

Construction workers and bricklayers fall into this category.

TRACK AND TRACE

In order for track and trace to work, it is essential that people are responsible - we all have to be alert and ensure that potential carriers are detected.

If a a second surge is inevitable then we could all be in an even more severe situation.

The simple but crucial aspect to all things Covid related is the R-number, which dictates the level of threat we all face by the disease. The R-value is simply the number at which the disease reproduces and its ability to infect people. Measles, for example has one of the highest R-numbers known, with a reproduction number of

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especially if your existing income and trade has been significantly disrupted by COVID-19 take measured steps. Do check your eligibility for any government support, particularly if you are a small business owner. Relief packages may be available to assist businesses. Do contact your bank or financial lender to discuss any possible arrangements you can make at this time. There will be options available if you need support. Understand any obligations you may have in relation to employees. As an employer it is advisable to become familiar with your legal requirements. Details on furlough schemes and redundancy information are available on the government website. Do remember to build and maintain your networks - everyone is in a very similar boat, so experience and support are crucial in today’s climate. This does give some feeling of control over a commercial situation and will help with your positive mental health. Speak with other small business owners to share ideas and experiences.

15 in areas where there is no immunity. It can cause huge outbreaks.

The Coronavirus, currently has a reproduction number of about 0.7 - 0.9 but estimates vary depending on where you are in the country. Using information on the number of people dying or admitted to hospital enables the medical specialists to detect how fast the virus can spread. If the R-number is higher than one, then this is a dangerous situation as cases will continue to increase and rapidly. Think of a snowball at the top of a mountain.

If the R-number is lower than 1 then the disease will slowly fade away.

In order to cope it is imperative to understand your current financial position. Make informed decisions about your business based on your current financial position. Evaluate your ability to trade, pay outstanding debts, keep employees where you can and contact your accountant to discuss any options that may be available to you. With cash-flow critical,

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F E N E S T R A T I O N D I G I T A L 32 YEARS OF SASH WINDOW EXPERIENCE – AND WE’RE READY FOR ANOTHER

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 32 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. Our new specification launched in 2019 featuring exclusive new Masterframe Systems, standard with patented Timberweld ® technology and we would welcome the opportunity to take you through the improved product offering and delighted to quote. 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 needed 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.

Designed for those who appreciate authentic detailing

To see the choices, including patented Timberweld ® corner design, download our new brochures here. 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 with non-priced customer proposal CAD drawings where required Expert technical support Free 47 page professional conservation guide Free product training Call our friendly sales team on 01376 510410 or email for a quote here.

Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US ANY TIME! Tel: 01376 510410 email: [email protected] Join us on LinkedIn

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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

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www.hegla.co.uk

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

F E N E S T R A T I O N D I G I T A L

HOW BAD COULD THE RECESSION BE?

With continual reports on the deteriorating economy across the UK and the speed at which this is happening being unprecedented, it is little wonder that the pressure of returning to work is upon us all. Few realised something like Covid 19 could happen and the fiscal result of that has been even more of a shock. Since the last financial crisis a number of positive measures have been introduced to protect households in financial difficulty, with payday lenders, some credit card companies and other predatory resources now being forced to do more to help people with persistent debt.

for people in the higher earning brackets. Those made redundant or who have no rights under the government’s schemes could well experience very harsh, financial realities today. That said, during May, the manufacturing and services sectors were cited as improving, but lockdown is still having a great effect and limiting progress, with unemployment figures rising. There are concerns among the business community that lockdown will still make a huge impact even after it has been eased as the consumer will be reticent to spend for some time.

Currently employees who are furloughed will have faced an income drop of 20%, and potentially more

The ONS (Office For National Statistics) recently

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Our financial resilience as a country will be vital as we prepare for the financial consequences from the Coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, there are many who will have been unprepared for this level of financial impact on their bank accounts. >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 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93

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