South west-based aluminium specialists Nordic Installations was the December winner of The FIT Show ’ s Installation of the Year competition . Following up Origin ’ s November win for its Prime Windows installation in Bradworthy , the decision to select Nordic ’ s bespoke new build in Dunsford , Devon , as December ’ s overall winner wasn ’ t easy , said judges . With stiff competition from Sherborne Windows and Vista Panels Ltd , who were both voted as runners up , it was the photography of the installation that sealed the deal for Nordic .

One of the UK ’ s largest , independent PVCu frame manufacturers , TruFrame , has returned a 12.7 % growth in 2016 , as demand for its hand finished frames continues to rise . David Firmager , managing director of TruFrame said frame count had exceeded 4,000 during several spikes at the end of the year . He continued : “ The business has grown on the back of sustainable new business and strong organic growth , thanks to a proactive programme of marketing campaigns . In 2017 we will also undertake the biggest

The Council for Aluminium in Building ( CAB ’ s ) Adrian Toon , the competition ’ s judge , said of Nordic ’ s entry : “ It ’ s a great balanced image with flowers in the foreground and a distant blue sky , plus great sunshine on the project . It ’ s a well exposed picture with vertical elements well aligned with the frame of the picture .”

Winning installations to date can be seen on the FIT Show website : http :// www . fitshow . co . uk / installation-of-the-year

investment programme this business has ever seen , as we look to put in place the resources to grow further .” TruFrame has been among companies encouraging smaller fabricators to unplug their equipment and buy in , with multi-channelled marketing campaigns targeting selected businesses

, based on size and location . The company has also invested in its embryonic TruFrame Direct business model , which involves the opening of premium trade counters in selected locations where they have little local representation .

www . truframe . co . uk

Together the two government organisations will jointly deliver a national Trading Standards supporting scheme , giving firms local reassurance with national recognition . The ‘ Trading Standards Approved ’ scheme is an accreditation that tells potential customers that the tradesperson not only complies with TrustMark ’ s government-endorsed Standards for quality of workmanship , but they also understand fair trading practices and have in place all the correct documentation and insurances . For the first time local authorities across the country can work together to deliver this scheme . It will give tradespeople further credibility that they are reputable and have a solid trading history , whilst giving their customer the reassurance and confidence that they have been thoroughly checked by both Trading Standards and TrustMark and have been approved to use this accreditation . Steve Ruddy , head of service Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards

, added : “ This is a ground-breaking example of how central and local government can work together , combining national recognition and local reassurance to both protect residents and support local businesses .” Simon Ayers , chief executive of TrustMark , said : “ With consumer expectations rising , householders are now seeking higher levels of service and better quality workmanship from their tradespeople with all the right checks in place . The Trading Standards Approved scheme isn ’ t just another ‘ badge ’ to add to a firm ’ s website and marketing materials , it ’ s an investment with great benefits . When a consumer chooses a tradesperson that has the TrustMark ‘ Trading Standards Approved ’ logo , they know they will get a reputable , reliable firm that has not only been vetted by a TrustMark Scheme Operator , but also checked directly by Trading Standards .” To join the scheme , firms will need to be TrustMark registered and then they will be able to apply to

TrustMark to complete the necessary checks in order to gain the approved accreditation . TrustMark will carry out the DBS Checks and Trading Standards will do the Intelligence Checks . Subject to passing these safeguards , the firm will then be accredited with trading standards approved status . For those firms who attain the Trading Standards approval , they will also get additional business support with exclusive access to assured advice on consumer law , including unfair contract terms , cancellations rights and drafting invoices . The scheme is currently being piloted by Trust- Mark Ambassadors across different key trades and will be rolled out on a national level during 2017 .

For further information or to sign up to the Trading Standards Approved scheme , visithttps :// www . trustmark . org . uk / trading-standards or email tradingstandards @ trustmark . org . uk or telephone 0333 555 0352 .

www . trustmark . org . uk