Clearview South January 2014 - Issue 146 | Page 10

INDUSTRYNEWS Snooker ace Steve’s contract extended Network VEKA is pleased to announce that its long-standing brand ambassador Steve Davis’ contract has been extended until 2016. Managing Director John Ogilvie explains: “We are thrilled that Steve will continue to be the face of Network VEKA. He wholeheartedly believes in the ethos of Network VEKA, and his enduring reputation for approachability and reliability make him the ideal ambassador for us. “Over the last eight years, Steve’s been involved in a number of members’ exhibition days, as well as his role at Network VEKA’s AGM events. Steve’s well-known and trusted personality has helped numerous Network VEKA fabricators and installers not only raise their profiles, but also raise considerable amounts of money for various charities. “When he’s not playing the ‘locals’ at snooker for members’ charity events, or signing cues for members to auction off, Steve can often be found helping out with generating leads for our member companies. “Steve recently joined Network VEKA member AWC Windows & Home Improvements at an open day where he helped the installer secure £42k worth of sales leads.” Director Michael Griffiths said: “Steve Davis’ reputation is a massive hit with homeowners, and something they really relate to.” Network VEKA, 01282 473170, www.networkveka.co.uk Growth is ‘prime example’ of industry shift towards trade counters Many in the industry have been saying it for a long time and now it has been officially confirmed by the Insight Data ‘Fabricator and Installer Market Report’ – trade counters are becoming key drivers in the supply chain. According to the Insight Report, “a significant shift in distribution channels is occurring across the window, door and conservatory industry. The traditional route of fabricator >> installer >> homeowner is being challenged by a rapidly growing network of trade counters.” The report also states that “a growing number of specialist operators who neither fabricate nor install have sprung up in recent years. These businesses buy-in products in 10 JAN 2014 volume from a fabricator, and sell on to small installers, DIY and builders through the depot.” A real life example of this is Northern trade counter chain Truemans. Truemans have branches in Burnley, Sheffield and Doncaster, and have grown substantially over the past 12 months. Joe Trueman, managing director of Truemans, comments: “Part of the reason trade counters are so popular is the convenience and like Truemans, many trade counters offer a free skip facility, which is very popular with installers.” Visit www.truemanswindows.co.uk or call the Doncaster branch on 01302 322 223 To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com