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