Pro Installer October 2013 - Issue 07 | Page 7

7 PRO INSTALLER OCTOBER 2013 PRO NEWS @proinstaller1 ENGINEERED TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS MAKE AN ENTRANCE In response to the growing demand from homeowners looking for traditional materials to enhance their home, Window Fitters Mate (WFM), one of the leading independent suppliers of fabricated windows, doors and conservatories in the UK, has introduced a new and comprehensive range of engineered timber products that boast the ultimate in quality, aesthetics and an incredible 30 year guarantee on timber. ‘60% increase in strength and durability’ Comprising everything needed to fit timber windows, doors, and conservatories, the new range features both Standard and Premium products from Europe and the UK. These include casement windows, bi-fold doors, sliding sash windows and even aliclad style timber windows. To complement these, a full range of finished timber prod- ucts is also available including architraves and decorative mouldings, and bespoke timber orders are also offered. Manufactured using knot-free engineered timber that is slow grown from sustainable and renewable sources, this new breed of timber product combines the good looks of real wood with up to 60% increase in Gabriela Hammond and The VEKA UK Group team present a cheque for £4230 to representatives from the Neonatal Unit. strength and durability. Supplied fully glazed and either painted or stained, all products carry an impressive eight year guarantee on the paint finish. For further information, visit www.wfm.co.uk or contact 0845 0036 825. Glazing Businesses See Value In Skills Says New Training Provider The Government’s continuing support of Apprenticeships and commitment to vocational skills is having a positive effect at the sharp end of the glazing industry, according to national independent training provider, 4GE Academy. One of Burnley’s ‘biggest’ raises more than £4000 for some of Burnley’s tiniest The VEKA UK Group, one of Burnley’s biggest local employers, has raised £4230 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Burnley General Hospital. This amount was raised by the staff of the industry-leading PVC-U profile manufacturer over a six-month period in a variety of ways. Much of the money was raised through cake sales, sponsorship for the VEKA Team at the Manchester and Burnley 10k races plus a collection at the Network VEKA AGM. Gabriela Hammond, Head of Human Resources at VEKA plc explains: “We’re very proud to have raised this amount of money for such a valuable cause. The Neonatal Unit is a state-ofthe-art facility that provides treatments and services that can make a crucial difference to babies that are born prematurely or with complications and illness. The support offered to these families is invaluable and we know all the doctors and nurses work incredibly hard.” The team from the Neonatal unit were quick to thank the staff of The VEKA UK Group: “We were so amazed by the wonderful amount of money you all raised for our First Link Fund. The VEKA UK Group, 01282 716611, www.vekauk.com, [email protected] In its first nine months of operation, Essex-based 4GE Academy has seen a significant uplift in the number of installation businesses undertaking some form of skills development for their personnel. Run by a team that possesses over 50 years of experience within the glass and glazing sector, 4GE Academy has so far registered more than 200 candidates on vocational qualifications, in a drive to boost workforce recognition and showcase the sector as a desirable career choice. According to Neil Robinson, Director, 4GE Academy, who has spent over 30 years in the glass industry, there is a growing acknowledgement that training, rather than being seen as a cost to the business, represents a sound future investment: “More than ever before, a company’s fitting credentials are under scrutiny and that means a workforce must have the right skills. We are starting to see a culture shift where there is increasing engagement in the training agenda.” www.4geacademy.com