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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