FROM THE EDITOR
Take 10
Welcome to the FIT Show special of Clearview , and to say that excitement has been building over the past 12 months – for the 10th anniversary of the event – really is an understatement . In the last eight weeks , in particular , as our preview features and weekly FITzine newsletter have been so chock-a-block with exhibitors ’ information , we ’ ve barely had the chance to chat about what we ’ ll be doing at the NEC …
» CLEARVIEW AND PRO INSTALLER WILL AGAIN BE SPONsoring the Take a Break section of the event , where visitors can relax and read through our magazines , and exhibitors can get some respite from the hustle and bustle of the show ! We found this area to be the perfect meeting place last year to sit and have a brew ( you decide what that means ), catch up , talk shop and even sign some deals . It goes without saying that we go to these shows with our journalist hats on , aside from needing somewhere to hang our coats and refresh every now and again , a stand really isn ’ t suitable for us but over the past few shows we ’ ve found the Take a Break area to be so much more than a base camp and it ’ s still a thrill to come back in between appointments and find the tables and chairs full of visitors chatting with old friends and making new ones – it ’ s what the show ’ s all about isn ’ t it ?
A few weeks before every event , the Clearview team synchronise our schedules to make sure we don ’ t miss any of the launch events or special occasions that take place across the three days . Then , we get in touch with our customers to see when we can go and see them too . I have to say this is looking like it ’ s going to be one of the busiest shows ever for us , and we can ’ t wait to catch up with everyone . By the time you read this , there will still be some time left to get planning ( and we strongly suggest you do ). FIT always flies by for us , so it ’ s essential to prepare in advance and make sure you get around everything and see everyone you need to . It can also be a trek to do it all in three days , so remember to factor in those stops at the Take a Break stand , and Steve , Rob , Andy and I will see you there .
( Get in touch with any one of us to book a slot , if you prefer !)
FROM MAKING THE TEA TO 30 YEARS …
» IT ONLY SEEMS LIKE yesterday when we were celebrating Climatec ’ s milestone of 20 years in business . Then the company was just embarking on their new venture of adding aluminium windows and doors to their portfolio , trading under the company name Alu-tec UK . Five years later they re-branded their three companies ; two manufacturing facilities , Climatec Windows and Alu-tec UK and their retail company , Climatec Home Improvements . All coming together as The Climatec Group .
Steve Barker and Phil Bates began fabricating uPVC windows in a small factory unit with just five staff members . Everyone chipping in with all aspects of the company ’ s working processes ; fabricating ; driving ; office admin and , we ’ re assuming , making the tea too .
Now , 30 years in , and with a worldwide pandemic behind us all , the Climatec Group find themselves very much still standing , largely due to the prudent management and sheer determination by the Directors and their team . Still on the same Southend industrial estate , now employing 170 staff in 60,000 sq ft of factory and office space , with a fleet of vehicles to use for deliveries to their 220 trade customers . supplier REHAU is one of their longest standing collaborations , with Climatec using the old S702 profile ( now known as the Tritec 60mm window ) to make their very first window .
REHAU ’ s CEO Martin Hitchen said : “ As their business partner for the last 30 years , it has been a pleasure to see Climatec ’ s business grow from strength to strength . The collaboration of both companies during this time has resulted in a successful close working relationship based on trust , dedication and must importantly teamwork . Over the years the marketing , sales and technical departments of each company , as well as the Directors have formed close working relationships . In particular , the long serving employees for each company have been an integral part to the success of Climatec Windows . Congratulations to everyone at Climatec and we look forward to celebrating with them and continuing the successful business relationship that we have built together .”
Gemma www . theclimatecgroup . co . uk
4 MAY 2023 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM