Pro Installer December 2015 - Issue 33 | Page 18

18 DECEMBER 2015 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk Patio door system meets ‘Q’ regulations Hardware specialist MI Products – working with Eurocell Profiles - has launched its new Secure4life lock and low threshold patio door system. PREPARATION IS KEY The Window Company (Contracts) Limited has some tips for sourcing new suppliers at exhibitions after its success at The FIT Show last summer. Company boss David Thornton said: “Before we attended we researched the show and prepared meticulously and as a result met at least half a dozen new suppliers.” He gave the example of how he and one of his company’s primary suppliers Glazerite got together after meeting at the show in June. He said: “When we visit The FIT Show in April next year we will take along a pre-prepared synopsis so that exhibitors we approach have more information from the outset and can better respond to our needs when they come back to us after the event. “When we get into discussions with potential suppliers we take along our balance sheet to show them who they are dealing with.” David added: “I usually go up a day earlier, make a list of who to see and then we go round as a team and follow up. We want to see and be seen, to be in at the beginning of any new products and trends. When the team comes up and they have been round the show, we meet to compare notes to make sure we haven’t missed anything.” The Window Company (Contracts) is one of the south east’s leading specialist commercial window and door installers, winning and retaining contracts from some of the region’s biggest contractors and social housing providers. The company won Installer of the Year at the 2014 G Awards. David also offered advice to exhibitors: “I like controlled enthusiasm. I don’t want to be attacked but neither can I stand the sight of people sitting down on a stand. Stand design is not an issue usually but tidiness, organisation and readiness are.” The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show is at The International Centre, Telford, from April 12 to 14, 2016. Visitors can reserve free tickets by visiting: www.fitshow. co.uk/reserve-your-tickets Visit www.fitshow.co.uk The easy-to-fit enhanced security solution meets Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations. It places a requirement on all new build installations and those that have a change of use in England and Wales to demonstrate compliance with PAS24:2012 or Secured by Design accreditations. It sets out ‘reasonable standards’ for doors and windows in new dwellings to resist physical attack by a casual or opportunist burglar, by being both sufficiently robust and fitted with appropriate hardware. The Secure4life product was jointly developed with Mila’s inhouse product development team and Mila showcased it for the first time at The Build Show in October where it generated much interest. Secure4life is a fully-fabricated aluminium interlock with a threepoint locking mechanism activated by a small ergonomically-designed lever located 900mm above the floor. At this height it can easily by accessed by all, including wheelchair users, while also meeting guidelines in the Lifetime Homes initiative. The Secured by Design-accredited new interlock has three pairs of 304-grade stainless steel interlock protectors and can be used with both PVCu and aluminium profiles. MI Products Director Ian Searle said: “We welcome this addition to the Building Regulations that ensures greater levels of security are required to protect new homes. “We developed the Secure4life interlock as a unique, cost-effective and enhanced inline sliding door security solution that is accessible for users of all ages and to meet the particular requirements set by the Lifetime Homes standard.” Lifetime Homes stipulates 16 design criteria that can be universally applied to new homes at minimal cost. Each design feature adds to the comfort and convenience of the home and supports the changing needs of individuals and families at different stages of life. Call 02476 305 943, email [email protected] or visit www.miproducts.co.uk