No-one would deny that sections of the fenestration industry have not enjoyed the best of press . Let ’ s face it , the media is littered with reports of unscrupulous traders , corner-cutting or illegal practices . Not to mention unqualified workers and substandard or even dangerous work .

So , for a trusted and recognised name like CORGI to enter the fenestration world represents a great opportunity . CORGI as a brand with attributes that consumers understand and respect is , by a distance , the most recognised , with 74 % of consumers putting it first on their list . Founded in 1970 , the brand continues to be recognised for trust , reliability and expertise through its insistence that all CORGI registered companies and individuals

adhere to a strict code of conduct .

The CORGI Fenestration scheme is a new certification body suited to the entire supply chain , from systems houses , fabricators , component manufacturers and installers right through to repair and maintenance . It covers aluminium , PVCu and timber and is fully backed by the fenestration industry ’ s only qualification-writing and awarding body , GQA .

I met up with GQA chief executive officer Mick Clayton and CORGI Fenestration chief operating officer Jacqueline Crawford at GQA ’ s Sheffield offices .

Jacqueline spent time as a consultant for Chris Mayne – now CORGI Fenestration chief executive - when he worked at FENSA . Jacqueline , a qualified engineer and a previous chair of the

Competent Person Forum , explained : “ I also had an association with people in senior positions at CORGI through work I ’ d done in the plumbing and heating industry . In talks it became apparent that we all shared the same values and aims . It ’ s an ethos based around the principle of using qualification to help deliver a trusted and totally reliable service .

“ We were interviewed by the CORGI board and had agreement for the fenestration scheme in principle just before Christmas . We got the CORGI licence through at the end of February .”

Since then , things have got very busy . Jacqueline said : “ Reaction to the new fenestration scheme has

been massive , which we didn ’ t expect quite so soon . We have had people calling us up asking how they can get on board . We have developed the scheme rules and code of conduct and are running pilot schemes with organisations around the country .

“ We are working with GQA centres and looking at getting centres approved so they can become Corgi Fenestration Centres and then we can recognise qualifications they provide . Working with the centres it is also an important aim to identify and plug gaps in skills in the industry .”

CORGI Fenestration itself will operate in accordance with rules and regulations

and the intention is to be accredited by UKAS – the organisation that effectively ‘ checks the checkers .’

Those signing up to the CORGI scheme pay a regular fee – the total cost would depend on the number of audits they need to undergo to meet the criteria required . Jacqueline said : “ We ’ re asking installers to tell us all their installations because our guarantee covers repair and maintenance . The policy offered will be very consumer friendly with simple terms and conditions but we recognise it needs to be cost effective for installers .”

The GQA ’ s Mick Clayton summed up : “ The scheme offers a chance for the industry to win more consumer business , because those delivering its goods and services are recognised as being formally qualified to do so . The new CORGI

Fenestration business is based on qualification of tradespeople and will bring a new approach to the industry .

“ It is something we are fully supportive of and will work alongside to deliver a sustainable approach to development and learning in the industry .”

Caitriona Deakin , chief executive officer of CORGI Services , has said of the new fenestration scheme : “ From a CORGI licenced business this is exactly what we want to see , a vehicle in place which will give consumers peace of mind and deliver quality and expertise when having work done in their home – the principles that CORGI brand values are founded upon .”

enquiries @ corgifenestration . co . uk www . corgifenestration . co . uk