Since joining Network VEKA, the Bury St Edmunds company has claimed awards for Best Newcomer in 2014 and national Overall Winner in the two subsequent years, at the organisation’ s annual general meeting and prize-giving. Adrian Lewis, managing director at FCD, said:“ Being a Network VEKA member has been hugely instrumental in our continuing success, largely as we have embraced the numerous benefits that the organisation provides. For our part, we aimed to show

to other, perhaps smaller member companies, approaches to marketing, data gathering, and lead generation that they may not have considered, and ways that the network’ s provision can support them in practice.” Ross Billings, assistant manager at Rainham’ s added:“ The day was a great insight into a larger company’ s way of doing things. The showroom was amazing and has an example of everything a customer could possibly want to see. We were given some great marketing ideas and FCD has sent us some marketing campaigns to edit

and use, which is a great help.” Craig Turner, director at Turner Windows of Somerton highlighted how Network VEKA members could share knowledge – on a non-competitive basis- thanks to their geographical spread. He said:“ It was well worth the eight and a half hour round trip to meet FCD. We were very impressed with the showroom and their marketing initiatives. They have given me some good ideas for my own company which I will put into practice. It’ s good that we are able to meet other network members

and have an open discussion about our businesses.” Simon Wade, director at Rugby Double Glazing was grateful for the rare opportunity to hear perspectives from peers in the same business and said:“ If we weren’ t members of Network VEKA, how much would it cost to get that level of information?” His sentiments were echoed by Paul Nugent, owner and managing director at Malvern Glass, and Paul Lewington, owner and managing director at Reading’ s Lewington & Son.

www. networkveka. co. uk

Longer summer days mean an extended admission of sunlight into our buildings. And access to natural light has been linked to improved occupant productivity and reduced energy usage. However, elements such as solar gain, glare and disparities in daylight availability during different times of day can negate all the positive benefits. Using sliding hardware from a manufacturer such as P C Henderson when installing solar shading systems such as shutters and louvres can help manage the need for natural light and views. Fergus Pickard, product development director at P C Henderson, said:“ Solar shading devices are seeing a growth in popularity as building owners and occupants seek to balance elements such as exposure to sunlight, views and overheating. Considering we spend over 90 % of our time indoors, it is crucial that the correct shading devices are used to meet the desired design and functional requirements.“ Our hardware is extensively tested making it suitable for everyday use. Our expert team can offer advice throughout all stages of specification to ensure customers select the appropriate sliding door

hardware, even for bespoke projects, meeting the most exacting needs.” For interior applications, P C Henderson’ s Flexirol Multidirectional hardware is ideal for internal door shutters. The system can meet a multitude of applications from traditional windows to floor to ceiling apertures. It has the capability to carry wood, aluminium or steel framed shutter doors, and offer users a smooth and effortless operation. P C Henderson’ s Husky and Soltaire systems are perfect for moving louvre systems. Made from anodised steel, the components are ideal for external applications, including in coastal areas. Husky hardware can carry louvre screens weighing up to 80kg with Soltaire having a capacity of 120kg. These

systems offer further variation as they can function in a single run, simultaneous run, and telescopic run with up to three leaves each side. Additionally, they can be operated manually or electrically with the use of either a 24v or 230v motor, with different guiding options available. P C Henderson has been manufacturing sliding door hardware systems for over 95 years in the UK. The company says its British engineered systems are cost efficient and combine high performance with aesthetic appeal, meeting the requirements of architects and their clients. With an experienced in-house technical team and despatch base both located in the UK, customers can expect unrivalled service and support.

For more information and to download the latest digital brochure please visit www. pchenderson. com

Many years ago a fledgling trade fabricator called Glazerite began to grow, firstly by giving its small customers the kind of service that others only gave to their big accounts. But then it went on growing by remaining loyal to those same small customers even after the much bigger ones started to sign up. Now, some of those small customers are doing very big things, still with the support of what is now The Glazerite UK Group Ltd. One example is Aylesbury-based Goldseal Conservatories Limited. Comprising only Gary Copp with son Rhys and their friend Adam as fitters, the company has a portfolio of some enviable installations

worth as much as £ 60,000 per household, with no salespeople, no advertising and no promotions – and business has never been better. Gary explained:“ Glazerite has built itself by working with small companies like us that need to keep a level of service and trust in everything we do. That is very important to us and has been a big part in our getting to where we are today.” Trust is a very big part of that support, he added:“ If I ring and say a frame has arrived damaged, they will take my word and get a replacement out to me straight away, not wait until they see the return, so I can get the job done.”

www. glazeritewindows. co. uk