Pro Installer June 2014 - Issue 15 | Page 16

16 JUNE 2014 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk FOUR INTO ONE FOR UK WINDOW SYSTEMS REHAU fabricator UK Window Systems is set to establish a One Stop Shop in Stoke to meet all of its trade customers’ window and door buying requirements, by investing in a new 30,000 sq ft factory in the town - with capacity for producing up to 800 frames per week, as well as providing a trade counter and remodelled showroom. The company has expanded so rapidly in recent years that it currently occupies four separate units in Stoke. With the purchase of the new factory in a prominent location, however, it will be able to consolidate all of these into one dedicated space, improving overall efficiency and making it easier for trade customers to get everything they need in just one visit. Director Richard Barlow says: “Our Plastic Depot trade counter will now be housed at our factory alongside a new showroom. Trade customers can bring their retail clients to show them where their windows and doors are being produced.” The move is planned to take place after the FIT show where the company will be exhibiting on Stand 382. ‘Trade customers can bring their retail clients to show them where their windows and doors are being produced’ www.rehau.co.uk Consumer Minister at launch of new TrustMark core criteria Crystal Sees Business Soar Since Choosing Liniar Romford’s Crystal Windows is one of the South East’s largest manufacturers and installers of PVCu windows and doors, trading since 1995 with a strong reputation for great value and exceptional service in the M25 area. At a recent event in Westminster Jenny Willott MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs, launched the new TrustMark core criteria – the Government-endorsed standards at the heart of the scheme which provide unique protections for homeowners undertaking repair, maintenance or improvement work in and around their homes. This event was an important event to celebrate the next milestone in the development of TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark for reputable tradesmen. A number of our member firms also attended the event including: Emily English, English, Barrett & Gray; Graham Stone, Stone House Property Care; Barrie Thompson, Thompson Decorating Services. The following statements were made during the event ,which highlight how important TrustMark and its member firms are in providing added protection to the consumer and to the future of the construction industry in the UK. Consumer Minister, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business said: “TrustMark is an easy way for consumers to identify tradesmen who have agreed to abide by industry standards of competence and fair trading.” Government Chief Construction Adviser Peter Hansford, added: “The message from Government is simple. TrustMark is the scheme we are backing. If you’re wavering, unsure about whether to join, you should look again. TrustMark is central to improving the image of the industry. You should get involved.” How it Works But since changing over to Liniar systems for its profile, the Crystal team has seen business soar. Tony Morris, Crystal’s Operations Manager, knows why: “We’ve already a built a successful business – sales have increased to £30m in the last year in spite of the recession – but since getting on board with the Liniar system at the end of 201 3 we’ve seen a significant uplift in our revenue, and look to be heading towards a record year,” he explains. “The Liniar system has so many advantages – as the newest system around it’s been designed with a whole range of fabrication and installation benefits. The finished product gives the homeowner better thermal efficiency, a wide range of colour options and a choice of matching products such as the innovative ModLok™ patio and bi-fold doors and the Liniar Zoom conservatory roof. Crystal’s customers have responded well to the new range as our current sales – and profit – prove.” The Government provides a Master Licence to TrustMark to operate the scheme and manage its Core Criteria - the Government-endorsed standards. New promotional video: ‘The Great Tradesman Hunt’ The Board The execuTive Team The Forum The Chief Executive leads a small team of 4 full-time staff: All are non-executive roles. All Members of TrustMark (2005) Ltd – trade and non-trade experts, industry and consumer groups –meet quarterly to Head of Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs 3x Trade Directors 3x Non-Trade Directors Head of PR & Marketing 1x Independent Chairman Compliance & Quality Assurance Manager Office Manager discuss relevant issues and to vote on decisions affecting the future of TrustMark. Government officials often join as observers. The Forum elects the Directors. TrustMark checks and approves a wide range of Scheme Operators which are required to comply with the Core Criteria. Scheme Operators can be trade associations, local authorities, retailers, certification and inspection bodies, organisations with panels of approved contractors etc. They are audited regularly by TrustMark. ASSOCIA TE MEMBER and growing steadily… Scheme Operators carry out the initial vetting, onsite inspections, checking and ongoing monitoring of TrustMark Registered Firms. They have to manage any complaints about those firms, in compliance with the Core Criteria. Tradesmen can choose which Scheme Operator they wish to use in order to become a TrustMark Registered Firm. Builders Plumbers electricians Kitchen & Bathrooms www.liniar.co.uk home adaptations roofers handymen Painters & decorators Plasterers heating engineer Garden Landscapers Flooring Glaziers and many more… A series of videos have been filmed over the last month and are planned to be released and promoted to consumers over the forthcoming months. This activity forms part of TrustMark’s on-going communications and video programme with the theme ‘tools to talk’. The first one to be made available provides advice on how people can easily find good local tradesmen to do work inside and outside your home and can be viewed on the link: https://vimeo.com/ trustmark (This link may be uploaded onto your own websites)