Pro Installer December 2014 - Issue 21 | Page 6

6 DECEMBER 2014 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk Fabricator of the Year G14 Awards On a night that recognises excellence in the Glass and Glazing Industry, Polyframe were announced as “Fabricator of the Year 2014” at the annual G14 Awards, in front of over 650 industry professionals at the Hilton Hotel in London. ERA Announced As Component Supplier Of The Year At G14 ERA has been announced as the Component Supplier of the Year, at the prestigious G14 Awards, held in London. In achieving this coveted Award, ERA was able to demonstrate excellence across a number of disciplines from technical, to customer service, to product innovation and delivery. Despite having over 175 years of history in the hardware industry, ERA is firmly planted in the future with a strategy centered around delivering cutting-edge hardware innovation that enables its customers to present a unique and compelling door and window proposition to the homeowner. Darren Waters, Grouphomesafe CEO, said: “It’s no secret that this industry has been through a tough time but despite turbulent economic conditions and the tightening of the home improvement economy, ERA has continued to grow and convert a great deal of business. “What we were able to demonstrate in our award submission is that despite a tough trading arena our approach to business, which rests in traditional values, coupled with our market-leading innovation has resulted in significant growth. “What we’ve seen in the last 12 months is that companies are turning to ERA because they need to differentiate themselves in the market and can’t compete with a generic hardware product. We’re working with our customers to give them security products that create real stand out security features and benefits. That’s how our customers judge us and it’s what propels this business forward.” The Fabricator of the Year award is the most sought after and prestigious award in the industry and it is a testament to the growth that Polyframe has experienced. Polyframe founded in 1992 by Martyn Buckley and the late Mario Ear ley, fabricated at the time, just 40 frames a week. It has now grown into one of the largest independent fabricator of windows, doors and conservatories in the UK. The growth of the business has been unprecedented during the last five years, with turnover increasing over 450% between 2009 and 2014. Significant investment has been made during this time with four new factories being opened and new production lines being installed at both Halifax and Norwich. Peter Dyson, Polyframe Sales Director, said: “It is a great honour to be named Fabricator of the Year, an award we are proud to receive. It is a just reward for all the hard work and dedication that all employees at Polyframe give to the company and a reflection of the business strategy. ” The ethos of Polyframe has always been to grow the business, manufacture quality products and to innovate. This is set to continue with the opening of its new Ridings Factory, Halifax, in 2015. Polyframe also has plans for a training academy and further office space at the new facility. The G14 Award is the second prize Polyframe have received in 2014 following the Yorkshire Post Business Awards, where Polyframe were named ’Business of the Year’. For further information visit www.polyframetrade.co.uk Quickslide Celebrate Prestigous G14 Award Yorkshire-based fabricator, Quickslide had reason to celebrate at this year’s G14 Awards after being presented with the Training & Development Initiative of the Year trophy. The G-Awards judges decided that Quickslide’s submission, one that was personally signed by every member of the workforce because every one of them played their part in the review and continuing success, was a worthy winner. Hosted by Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges, Quickslide’s Chairman, Adrian Barraclough, couldn’t have been happier with the award, which was presented by Mike Butterick, Marketing Director of sponsor, Glassolutions. Adrian commented: “One nomination, one win; I’d say that was a pretty successful night. We’ve always regarded our people a big part of our commitment to World Class Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement, so winning the award at G14 means they can all be equally as proud of the trophy.” The win comes after the company reviewed and revised its planning, training and development procedures with a plan to gain six-figure savings going forward. Firstly identifying its shortcomings and their causes, they then looked at how to overcome each one Quickslide’s Adrian Barraclough is presented with the Training & Development Initiative of the Year trophy by Michael Butterick of Glassolutions at G14 with comedian Kevin Bridges and Quickslide’s Joe Pickering and Michael Connor. individually. With every member of the workforce becoming accountable, many training systems that seamlessly align each department to achieve the company’s vision were implemented. Quickslide is best-known for its acclaimed sliding sash windows, and the company has been instrumental in bringing this former niche product into the mainstream of the retrofit and new-build markets, but it also manufactures a wide range of other styles of windows and doors for trade, commercial and domestic customers. For further information visit www.quickslide.co.uk