Pro Installer March 2019 - Issue 72 | Page 39

MARCH 2019 | 39 Business Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk EDGETECH’S ALAN FIELDER WINS INAUGURAL ‘HEART OF THE INDUSTRY’ AWARD As nominations open for the National HIGH GROWTH FOR THE HIGHLANDS Scottish Highlands home improvement company, ERG Scotland Ltd, has become the latest addition to the Conservatory Outlet Network of retailers. After huge success for Conservato- ry Outlet on the back of 2018 with three new retail partners joining in as many months, it is now revealed that the leading UK fabricator has secured the partnership of ERG Scotland to service the Scottish Highlands, a large and much sought-after location for the network. In true Conservatory Outlet style, ERG will kick start its welcome with a brand- new website and bespoke ERG branded brochures. Also planned are an enhanced PPC and multi-channel digital campaign, a series of retail videos and significant investment & updates to the Invergordon showroom. Ian Joy, Director at ERG, explains: “We’re really pleased to be working with Greg, Mick and the team at Conservatory Outlet.” ERG now becomes the fourth Scottish re- tailer in the Conservatory Outlet Network, allowing ERG (Invergordon), Bon Accord Glass (Aberdeen), Mitchell Glass (Galash- iels) and Crystal-Clear Windows (Hamilton) to take advantage of the unique business model, which allows the sharing of best practice without conflict of interest, to form a strong Scottish alliance and support group within the network. Fenestration Awards 2019, Edgetech are looking back at last year’s event, when long-standing Director of Sales and Marketing Alan Fielder was named winner of the NFA’s inaugural ‘Heart of the Industry’ prize. Held annually, the National Fenestration Awards is the UK’s only democratic award scheme, inviting thousands of installers, fabricators and other industry professionals from across the country to vote for the best British glazing has to offer. However, in 2018, the winners of one category were hand-picked by the organis- ers themselves – the first ever Heart of the Industry Award, designed to honour individ- uals who’ve made a lasting and valuable contribution to UK glass and glazing. Judges praised Edgetech veteran Alan for his ‘dedicated and long-standing service to the UK fenestration sector’, describing him as ‘a popular character inside the industry, whose work for the sector has been out- standing’. A director since 2008, Alan oversees all the company’s sales activity, heading an experienced team of professionals dedicat- ed to helping IGU manufacturers increase efficiency and growth. www.edgetechig.co.uk ERA ACQUIRES Y-CAM TO ACCELERATE ITS GROWTH IN THE SMART SECURITY MARKET ERA, the UK’s leading home security specialist, has purchased British smart security pioneer Y-cam. The acquisition will make ERA one of the most advanced and capable providers of smart security solu- tions for the home. Y-cam’s proprietary cloud platform, alongside its range of award-winning secu- rity cameras, alarms and sensors, will bring ERA unrivalled expertise in the sector and substantial potential for further growth. According to a recent GfK Global report, the UK is the fastest growing smart home market in Europe and smart security prod- ucts have the second highest level of appeal after connected entertainment devices. Darren Waters, ERA’s CEO said, “This acquisition is an important strategic move for ERA. Rapid growth in the connectivity of British homes coupled with a big increase in consumer awareness means that demand for trustworthy smart security technology is increasing rapidly. Unlike many other businesses in the sector, we’re building our smart capability on 180 years of home se- curity expertise; this unrivalled experience gives massive confidence to trade partners and end-users alike.” www.eraeverywhere.com