Pro Installer April 2014 - Issue 13 | Page 4

4 APRIL 2014 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk Lifetime achievement awards for installers An installer support body that promotes best practice for installers and the public will soon be announcing which home improvement companies have won its Lifetime Achievement Awards. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) The Consumer Protection Association provides Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) and deposit protection to installers carrying out home improvements. TALLEST TIMBER BUILD GOES FOR PVC-U It may be Europe’s tallest timber-framed building but the designers chose PVC-U for the windows for the prestigious Falkland House student accommodation complex, recently completed in Liverpool’s fashionable Islington district. Standing at eight storeys tall with more than 100 bedrooms, apartments and studio units, the styling of the complex is complemented by grey on white casement windows in VEKA Matrix 70 from Glazerite Windows Ltd and installed by Hardmans Double Glazing Ltd of Wallasey. The use of acoustic glass throughout also means students can also expect some peace and quiet. Glazerite Director Jason Thompson says structural timber buildings are growing in popularity and the combination with PVC-U windows is a common choice: “It shows very clearly that even when architects choose natural materials for the structure, the benefits of PVC-U still make it first choice. The frames were made at Glazerite’s North West facility at Bolton. Glazerite, the UK’s largest VEKA trade fabricator and a prominent Network VEKA member, also has its main factory & HQ in Northamptonshire as well as a distribution hub at Avonmouth serving the South West. ‘Some peace and quiet’ Tel: 0845 0945 775. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk Winners are presented with a certificate and plaque for the efforts. The CPA is recognised by consumers as one of the most trusted resources for finding accredited and vetted installers. The CPA also offer its members a host of beneficial schemes such as marketing support; training seminars; sales presentation advice and quarterly assessment reports. The body will shortly announce which installers have been recognised as part of a programme the organisation runs to recognise its long-standing members. Special awards are given to companies that have been members of the CPA for five, 10, 15 and 20 year periods. ‘most trusted’ ‘all about raising standards’ Only members that have consistently delivered a high level of service and excellent workmanship to homeowners are awarded. CPA Director Jeremy Brett comments: “What we do is all about raising standards in the industry for both installers and homeowners, which is why we are committed to these Awards and recognising stand-out members. “The majority of our members stay with us for many years as they benefit greatly from our service – this is about us recognising their hard work and dedication. “Past winners have boosted their reputation significantly, gained extensive local press coverage and won new business off the back of winning this award. By winning the award they are seen by the public as leaders in their field.” “One of the many benefits of being a CPA member is that for every job they carry out, we call the customer and ask a series of questions to assess their work. “We then collate this data and send it to them as part of a quarterly report; giving them vital intelligence needed to streamline their business. Our members are doing their communities proud – and the reports we receive from their customers back this up,” Jeremy concludes. For more call The Consumer Protection Association on: 01462 850062. VBH Unveils New PVCu Catalogue VBH has unveiled Issue 2 of its catalogue of hardware and ancillaries for the manufacture and installation of PVCu windows, doors and patios. Much has changed with VBH’s range since the publication of Issue 1 and, although many stalwart products carry through from that first issue, the majority are new. The company’s own greenteQ range has expanded hugely and features heavily with products for all frame types. VBH built its business on being a major distributor of branded hardware and the catalogue does much to reinforce the message that this is still the case, despite the emergence of greenteQ. There is no shortage of branded hardware from VBH’s key market partners. New developments such as new manual and automatic door locks, door handles, 1 and 3-star profile cylinders, security handles, letterboxes, parallel sliding and bi-fold patio systems, folding openers, security window locks, shootbolts and even cat flaps from well known brands such as Dr. Hahn, Hoppe, Roto, Siege