INDUSTRYNEWS
A Clean Sweep
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THE MASTER FITTER Challenge ( MFC ) finals , held in association with FENSA , have become a highlight of the industry calendar . Held at the FIT Show , the competition has become as highly regarded and reputable as the host show itself . Known for setting difficult installation challenges , the finals have impressed with the levels of skill demonstrated by finalists . And this year was no different , in fact it has even been said by the expert organisers and assessors for the event that it was the ‘ toughest yet ’.
The competition saw six finalists complete three installations ; a solid porch roof provided by Supalite , a window provided by Liniar and a residential door provided by IG / Truedor , safely and expertly in a single day . And , to up the ante this year , the MFC Pavilion was more visible than ever before , situated at the main entrance of the exhibition , opposite the registration desks .
But , proving he excels under pressure , Pennine Windows fitter , Craig Hanson , rose to the challenge and made a clean sweep , winning all four categories of the competition , including overall winner , something that has never happened before .
In the wake of his impressive victory , Clearview spoke to Craig and Pennine Windows Manager , Siobhan Watson , to find out more about Craig ’ s road to success and how life at Pennine has changed since Craig ’ s monumental win …
“ It was the third time I ’ d entered the competition ,” explains Craig . “ I was a finalist in the 2013 and 2014 competitions and ,
feeling a little disheartened , had decided not to enter again .”
But Siobhan took matters into her own hands , in full confidence of Craig ’ s ability and knowing he just needed ‘ a bit of a nudge ’. “ Although I ’ ve known Craig for 20 years , back when he was starting out , I had joined Pennine Windows just 18 months prior to the competition ,” Siobhan explains . “ I knew it was Craig ’ s dream to win the competition and I have such faith in his ability that I did the application on his behalf , unbeknown to him . After all , the MFC is all about championing the best of what the industry has to offer and Craig is exactly that .
“ On the day of the competition Craig didn ’ t disappoint ,” Siobhan continues . “ It was like poetry in motion watching him and his partner carry out the work . They were really in the zone and worked together intuitively , hardly needing to speak a word to each other to complete the installations , quickly and professionally ,” she adds .
On the Gala evening of the FIT Show Craig was presented with all four awards , a feat never achieved by any installer before , to thunderous applause . “ It was a dream come true and I thank all the sponsors involved from the bottom of my heart ,” said Craig . “ My next dream is to win again next year with my protégés , when we will hopefully be entering an additional team into the competition .”
Pennine Windows are now using Craig ’ s accolades to great advantage , not only to inspire and nurture the next generation of fitters but also to assure customers of the quality of their work . “ The industry is very competitive and extreme measures need to be taken to stand above the rest . It is our aim as a company , along with the MFC , to encourage people to choose the fitter profession as a credible career ,” says Siobhan . “ Craig became a fitter straight out of school at 17 and has learned on the job . His technical expertise and knowledge now amazes me and we are looking to pass that on to our own team here at Pennine .”
Pennine Windows has a team of 3 fitters . The company manufactures using Advance Selecta 70 profile and installs PVCu windows , doors and conservatories across Huddersfield , Yorkshire and countrywide , as well as specialising in fitting replacement fascias , soffits and guttering .
Based in Huddersfield , West Yorkshire , the company is proud to be family-run and , as such , is very customer-focused to both its retail and trade customers . “ Our trade customers are the back bone of the business .” says Craig . “ We offer a value-added service , designed with a quick turnaround . Integrity is the basis of all Pennine ’ s partnerships and trade customers are treated with the same respect and diligence as our domestic and commercial customers ,” he concludes .
www . penninewindows . com
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