TuffX often receives requests for weird and wonderful glass creations , but the latest was a first . The company was called by a client who wanted to create a glass floor door leading to a wine cellar . The customers live in a large country home in Hampshire and wanted their very own wine cellar . Having already got a basement in their house the job seemed rather straightforward for the installers . They just needed the perfect glass for the cellar door . This had to be completely clear , safe , look appealing and also be suitable to walk on when the door was closed . TuffX recommended that

its clear toughened glass would be appropriate . The installers ordered the glass in 31.5mm clear toughened . The client and homeowners was very pleased with the glass and the finished wine cellar . The homeowners said : “ We love our new cellar . it is something we have been discussing for a long time . We host many diner parties so it comes in handy for us . The clear glass gives it the perfect finish and everyone is so impressed who comes to visit .”

For more information on TuffX , contact its head office on 0845 3400 200 or visit www . tuffxglass . co . uk

Twenty-three employees of PVCu window systems business The VEKA UK Group have been recognised for their enduring loyalty to the company . They have a combined 185 years of service . A lunch at The VEKA UK Group ’ s Lancashire headquarters saw prizes including meal vouchers , weekends away , and extra holidays presented to the hard-working winners , whose careers with

the company range from five years all the way to 30 . Gary Powell received particular recognition . The material test technician , responsible for assessing both incoming additives and finished compound , has worked at The VEKA UK Group ’ s Burnley base for 30 years , with no signs of slowing down . Dave Jones , The VEKA UK Group ’ s managing director , thanked all the awardees for

their ongoing service and loyalty . “ VEKA has flourished since coming to the UK in 1986 , and Gary Powell , for example , has been with us since those early days , when just 30 employees worked from our comparably humble 30,000 sq ft factory .”

To find out more about working at The VEKA UK Group , visit : www . vekauk . com / about-us / working-at-veka

Figures released by the Builders ’ Merchant Federation show that builders ’ merchants in the north east reported a 4.8 % growth in sales in October 2016 compared to October 2015 . BMF member companies supply around 85 % of tradespeople , and sales growth points to a busy period for builders , plumbers , joiners and decorators driven by increased spending

by households across the north east in home repairs and improvements . The BMF sales indicators show growth in the north east is currently so strong that it is nearly double that of the national average of 2.5 %. Local builders merchants say the news is a positive sign for the economy generally and particularly for the construction industry , of which Builders ’ Merchants and their customers

are an important part . Stephen Robinson , managing director of JT Dove , and BMF regional chairman of the North East Region said : “ I am incredibly proud that the figures of the North East builders ’ merchants are double the national average . At JT Dove we have been performing well this year and it is great to see this trend reflected across the region .”

John Newcomb , managing director of the BMF said : “ Builders ’ merchants across the UK are reporting growth in year on year sales to October 2016 , and sales data from our builders ’ merchant members in North East is particularly strong . “ We are confident that our members will continue to grow in the New Year as people gain confidence in investing in their properties and carry out annual renovations in the Spring .”