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PRO NEWS
DECEMBER 2016 PRO INSTALLER
www. proinstaller. co. uk
PATIO DOOR WITH LIFETIME SECURITY
TIPPING POINT FOR ALUMINIUM
A new market report suggests 2017 could be a tipping point for the UK aluminium window systems market.
The new Plimsoll Analysis reports that 34 companies are already being squeezed out, and 14 others are sacrificing profit margins just to stay in the race. However, half of companies remain strong. This year could see big changes in the market. Plimsoll claims its report will change the way the aluminium window systems industry and its 186 largest companies is viewed. For each individual business, the report offers a complete appraisal of its value, overall performance, takeover attractiveness and future prospects. This report shows:
OVERCAPACITY MEANS 34 COMPANIES ARE SUFFERING FALLING SALES In a classic case of too many firms chasing too little market, 34 companies are selling less than last year. Will they get back to growth in this competitive market or decline further?
14“ SERIAL LOSS MAKERS” ARE STALKING THE MARKET As competition remains fierce, 14 companies are blatantly overtrading. Their sacrificing of profit at the expense of sales is pressuring margins across the board. How long can they continue?
VALUES ARE FALLING ACROSS THE MARKET As profitability comes under pressure from increasing competitions and unscrupulous rivals more than a third of companies have seen their values fall – 11 have lost a third of their value.
POLARISATION BETWEEN THE STRONG AND FAILING Over half of companies are on a sound financial footing and have been rated as strong in the new Plimsoll Analysis. Unfortunately, 22 others have been rated as‘ danger’ and could fail in 2017.
CASH RICH COMPANIES WILL DRIVE A 2017 TAKEOVER BOOM The UK aluminium window systems industry is set for increased takeovers in 2017. The analysis has named 23‘ cash rich companies’ and 49‘ best takeovers’ that it forecasts will be heavily involved. Plimsoll says that current market conditions are changing rapidly, and so it will be issuing an updated edition of the report in March 2017.
For more information call 01642 626422 or visit www. plimsoll. co. uk
Eurocell Euroslide is an inline PVCu patio door system that has been developed specially to meet the challenges of the amended Part Q. Aesthetic, high performance and easily fitted, the system, when specified to PAS24 standards, automatically meets Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations. Eurocell believes this is the first patio door to conform to this stringent security standard as well as to Lifetime Homes Standard specifications, where applicable.
The regulatory change, effective since October 2015, sets out what it describes as‘ 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. Euroslide is suitable for new build and large extensions and can also be retro-fitted. The system incorporates a fully-fabricated aluminium interlock with a three-point locking mechanism operated by a small ergonomically-designed lever just 900mm above the floor. The height of the lever enables it to be used easily by everyone including wheelchair users and meets the increasing trend for‘ multi-generational’ dwellings. The system can be installed with Eurocell’ s low threshold to comply fully with Part M access requirements – also overhauled in October 2015 after the government’ s Housing Standards Review. Other features include a heavy-duty door sash reinforcement to protect against forced entry and high winds and an anti-lift fixture that stops intruders lifting panes out of the door frame – a common weak spot in traditional door and window design. The design ensures that intruders cannot reach any of the gaskets and sealants to gain entry because they are applied from the inside.
For more details, visit eurocell. co. uk / euroslide or contact the customer care team on 0800 988 3047.
WIN A SHARE OF £ 10,000
FENSA is reminding installers to sign up to the Master Fitter Challenge 2017, regarded as the most prestigious skills competition in the glazing industry. For the fourth year FENSA is sponsoring The Fit Show’ s Master Fitter Challenge – being held at the NEC, Birmingham, in May 2017. First prize is £ 5,000, second prize is £ 3,000 and third prize is £ 2,000. The finalists will be distilled from an entry list following a filtering process carried out by co-sponsor the Glass Qualifications Authority
and associated industry expert judges. The process includes a site visit for those reaching the second stage so entrants have to be at their best, in real world conditions. The competition is free to enter and open to individuals or teams of two. Entrants must have a minimum two years’ of industry experience in the installation of domestic windows and doors. They must be MTC compliant through the FENSA MTC Card( or equivalent) or hold relevant qualifications.
To enter( or for further information) go to http:// www. fitshow. co. uk / master-fitterchallenge