Pro Installer June 2016 - Issue 39 | Page 10

10 JUNE 2016 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk EUROCELL’S MODERN TAKE ON TRADITIONAL LOOKS Eurocell has announced a new addition to its Modus range: Modus S – a mechanically jointed flush sash casement window, which combines modern materials with an authentic traditional appearance. This latest model to join the Modus range is possible thanks to additional precision-engineered mouldings inside the frame which remove the need for diagonal corner welds – a distinctive characteristic of standard PVCu windows. The new joint detail adds considerable authenticity to the appearance of the window and enables installers and fabricators to provide a product with the look of timber, while retaining all the optimum energy efficiency and virtually maintenance-free performance benefits of PVCu. Furthermore, it is up to 25% less expensive than the nearest equivalent PVCu flush sash product. Eurocell claims that its combination of superb looks, leading technical performance and cost-effectiveness makes Modus S the best value flush sash casement window yet. Given its traditional appearance, the new product is ideal for Victorian-style properties, cottages and conservation areas where the homeowner wishes to maintain or enhance the period look of the property, ‘The market for premium flush sash windows is continuing to grow’ without the maintenance legacy burden of repainting and repairs associated with timber windows. Flush on both sides, Modus S offers sleek looks unbroken by external bead lines as, like most contemporary windows, the system is internally beaded for enhanced security standards. Featuring a 75mm six-chamber profile system, the Modus range delivers optimum energy efficiency performance and can achieve a U-value as low as 0.7 – surpassing Passivhaus standards. And Modus casement windows were among the first to be awarded the new A++ Window Energy Rating by the BFRC, confirming maximum double-glazed window performance. Modus S is available in ten colours from stock – including the white ash, cream white and anteak popular for period, premium and self-build properties. In addition, Eurocell offers a sophisticated alternative to Chartwell green among its made-to-order options. Called agate grey, its subtle hue has been appealing to customers at major exhibitions over the past 12 months. The market for premium flush sash windows is continuing to grow as discerning homeowners seek more differentiation in their choice of windows. To find out more, call the Eurocell customer services team on 0800 988 7300 or visit eurocell.co.uk/modus-s ADAPTING IS SECRET OF SUCCESS National Plastics is the largest independent trade counter in the UK and will have 50 depots open by the end of 2017. But what’s the secret of its success? Geoff Foster, the company’s Managing Director, has been sharing his secrets. “We have a very simple strategy, but we make sure we stick to it,” says Geoff. “We identify and meet customers’ requirements so we know we’re giving them what they need. This clear direction informs everything we do and to keep it on track we continually plan for the future so we know we’ve got all eventualities covered and can quickly adapt to changing circumstances.” Of course, that simple strategy requires a lot of hard work in three areas in particular: sales and marketing, operations and finance. “For us to get our sales and marketing tactics to work, we have to be sure we’re offering the right products and services,” says Geoff. “That means watching the market to understand new developments, researching the products that fulfil market need and developing a range that delivers at all price points.” Then there’s the operations side of the business. “Our customers’ businesses depend on our reliability and it’s vital they can trust us,” comments Geoff. “We forge strong relationships with our suppliers so we can be sure they won’t let us – or our customers – down.” Finally, there’s the finances. “Our buying power means we can negotiate some exceptional deals,” says Geoff. “It means we can offer competitive prices that our customers really value.” But for Geoff, getting it right in these three areas would be nothing without his company’s secret ingredient. “You always have to consider the ‘what ifs’. We have plans in place that mean we are able to adapt what we do to still carry on delivering what our customers need. Take the recession, for example. When it hit, I promised my staff that no one would be made redundant – and no one was. In fact, we grew by £10 million in five years. It’s tribute to the quality and strength of the team as well as our adaptability that we managed to do that.” He concludes: “Every business can put strategies in place. But you need something more if you’re going to succeed. I truly believe we’ve got that secret ingredient and I’m proud to be leading a company that is consistently able to give its customers what they need and is growing year on year as a result.” www.nationalplastics.co.uk