Pro Installer May 2024 - Issue 134 | Page 33

35 Years of Secured by Design
MAY 2024 | 33

35 Years of Secured by Design

IN IT FOR THE LONG TERM

Secured by Design means safety and security of products , properties and possessions . When a customer chooses an SBD-accredited door , window or hardware suite , they have instant reassurance and peace of mind . But , beyond that imperative element , the long-term assurance that SBD products provide run deeper than the physical supply and installation .
Here , Chris Powell , Managing Director at CWG Choices discusses what being an SBD member means to him , his company and his customers , and sustainability in industry , ( but not just in the way you ’ d first imagine )…
“ When people talk about sustainability , the first thought is ‘ green credentials ’,” says Chris . “ Of course , environmental sustainability is extremely important but there is much more to sustainability .
“ We see sustainability as having three pillars of responsibility : business , social and environmental . Taking away the important aspect of environmental for now , let ’ s talk about business and social responsibility ; what that means to us at CWG Choices and how our association with Secured by Design ties into that .
“ When we talk about business sustainability , we mean long term partnerships and financial security . We don ’ t think there are many businesses in the industry that can offer the same stability – up or down the supply chain – that we can at CWG Choices . You only
have to look at the companies that unfortunately have gone out of business in the past 12 months , never mind the last five years , that prove how unstable some partnerships can be .
“ As part of the Inwido Group – the largest manufacturer of windows in Europe – we can build lasting partnerships with our suppliers and customers , and give them the confidence that it is a sustainable business relationship for the long term , ensuring guarantee periods and consistent and sustainable On Time and In Full Delivery of Quality Accredited product time after time .
“ But how does SBD tie into that ?
“ CWG Choices provides the widest range of products in fenestration . That ’ s a fact . All of those products are appropriately accredited with BS6375 for parts 1 ( weatherability ) and 2 ( operation and strength ) and PAS24 ( Enhanced Security ) where required . Being part of SBD and with a portfolio of SBD-approved products we are also displaying a recognised , credible standard for architects and specifiers ; and further
demonstrating our commitment to excellence . It ’ s a badge of honour .
“ From a social responsibility point of view , SBD products provide safety and security to homeowners and end users ; peace of mind that their property , possessions , and family are protected . We may not deal with these customers directly but that same ‘ badge ’ is passed down through the supply chain with every SBD product that is manufactured , supplied , installed and used .
“ Our SBD membership is just one example of how we choose and use our professional relationships and partnerships . We select the brands and businesses we work with extremely carefully , and we work with different companies for different – and very specific reasons . We look to work
with people who understand and value the same three pillars of sustainability that we do .
“ Trade bodies and associations are no different . They exist to raise and maintain the reputation of the industry as a whole , as much as they exist to safeguard the consumer and support their own members . Another example of sustainability – the long-term progress and prosperity of our sector .
“ We ’ ve seen all too much that customers choose the companies they work with , or buy from , purely based on price . We ’ ve also seen how this is an unsustainable business relationship . The opposite of what we are trying to achieve at CWG Choices .
“ Just as the value of a product extends beyond its price tag , the value of a business transaction extends beyond the products
available . While we are proud of carrying the widest – and most varied – product portfolio , we also don ’ t want customers to choose us just because of that .
“ We believe that when customers are choosing a supplier they should be looking for a long-term partnership and not a one-off purchase . Look at the other companies they work with . Look at the organisations they are associated with . Look at how they demonstrate sustainability – through business practices , social responsibility and of course , environmentally conscious products and processes .
“ Considering each of those three pillars is true sustainability and the key to lasting business partnerships .”
www . cwgchoices . com