Clearview National August 2015 - Issue 165 | Page 16

INDUSTRYNEWS

Trade Counter Success
The huge success experienced by trade
counters as alternative distribution
channels is “the single biggest shift in the
window and door industry”, according to
Insight Data’s recently published report.

»»Trade counter
networks are re-shaping the
window and door industry
by offering a convenient, fast
and friendly service. Truemans
Windows is one of the most
prominent examples of this shift,
as one of the first window and
door companies to understand the
potential of offering value added
services when supplying products
to the trade.
Managing director, Joe
Trueman, commented on the
results revealed by the report:
“The report confirms trade
counters’ transition from a fast
growing trend, to an established
business model is continuing to
gain momentum as a key driver in
the supply chain.
“We spend time talking to our
customers to understand their
needs and create new services
that will benefit their business

both in terms of sales, as well as
operationally,” said Joe. “This is
how we are able to launch services
that are truly needed, rather than
invest in what we think might be
helpful. We also keep a keen eye
on the market to make sure we
react in time to changing trends
in terms of product demand.
“Thanks to free marketing
support, the ‘Builder Installers’
are able to promote their services
more than ever before, opening
up new opportunities to explore.
What’s more, they don’t always
have the necessary space to
store products, so buying and
collecting their windows, doors
and a conservatory at a time that
suits them is essential – and they
can also have their order delivered
directly on-site, should they
require it.” Joe concluded.
www.truemanswindows.co.uk

Approval for Suffolk based Fabricator
»»Customers of Suffolk-based
Plastic Trade Frames can now apply to join the
respected VEKA Approved Installer Scheme
since the supplier has been granted VEKA
Approved Supplier status.
The fast-growing VEKA scheme insists that
installer members source its frames only from
one of its Approved Suppliers, so PTF can
now not only support its existing customers
in applying for membership but also has
an additional selling point to offer new
customers, as MD Adrian Lewis explained:
“We will be using our Approved status
and the opportunities it brings as part of our
package to attract new customers but we will
also be encouraging our existing ones to make
the most of scheme.”
PTF already has a good name for customer
service, with the offer of on-site assistance
or can even supply and install via its retail
sister company, the award-winning Frames
Conservatories Direct.
Both are customers of Glazerite Windows
Ltd, which has supported PTF in its
application for Approved status, just as PTF

16 » AUG 2015 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M

will now do with its own customers. Frames
Conservatories Direct was also named as UK
winner of the annual Network VEKA awards
for customer service.
www.glazerite.co.uk

‘We will be using our
Approved status and
the opportunities it
brings as part of our
package to attact
new customers’