Pro Installer September 2016 - Issue 42 | Page 6

6 SEPTEMBER 2016 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk NEW SCHEME TO RAISE ROOFLINE STANDARDS A new certification scheme has been exclusively launched for roofline products and installation. Designed to raise standards throughout the roofline industry, the scheme is open to roofers, builders and window contractors looking to grow their business and market themselves more effectively. The mastermind of SIG Building Plastics and operated with Stroma Certification, the scheme is called OSCAR (On Site Competency Assessment Report). It offers external recognition of skills for experienced installers who wish to share best practice across their fitting teams and offer a point of difference from their competitors based on competence and quality. In addition, it provides a vehicle for non-experienced installers to develop their skills base and include roofline as part of their offering. OSCAR is simple and speedy to obtain. Applicants to the scheme are simply assessed onsite, in line with the standard, and upon successful completion are awarded a certificate of competence. Accredited installers automatically have access to a range of professional marketing and promotional material, such as bespoke brochures, drop cards, an app, lanyards and an insurance backed guarantee for homeowners. As well as being included in a database of approved installers, a new mobile software tool will enable work to be recorded and quotes provided on-site – resulting in a more professional approach. OSCAR installers will also be using high quality products from SIG Building Plastics’ range and have access to an insurance-backed workmanship warranty per installation from GDGC. Accreditation will provide the skills and knowledge required to interpret information and prepare and install under ECO, in accordance with job specifications and safe working practices. ‘The role of roofline can never be underestimated and with badly installed roofline being a key enemy of any well-insulated home, it’s important that homeowners can call upon specialists who are fully up to speed with all aspects of roofline’ Marketing Manager at SIG Building Plastics, Sarah McCartney said: “At last we have an industry recognised external scheme for roofline. The role of roofline can never be under-estimated and with badly installed roofline being a key enemy of any well-insulated home, it’s important that homeowners can call upon specialists who are fully up to speed with all aspects of roofline, particularly the installation. “Along with roofline installers, more and more window specialists and builders are adding roofline to their offering. Hence, this scheme will help boost the credentials of those who become OSCAR-approved and will reassure homeowners that the installer has been independently and formally assessed. If the installation fails, homeowners will also have peace of mind knowing someone will help resolve their issues,” added Sarah. To offer further support to installers wishing to become OSCAR-accredited, many of the branch staff throughout SIG Building Plastics have already benefited from internal OSCAR training. This ensures that the staff are fully conversant with the installation process and techniques, as well as understanding any associated problems that may occur. For further information, contact 01480 466777, visit a SIG Building Plastics branch, or www.sigbuildingplastics.co.uk/ oscar/ ATHENA SUITS ‘LESS VISUAL’ HINGE TREND Hardware company the Trojan Group says it has seen ‘astonishing demand’ for its Athena range of door hinges launched at The FIT Show in April. Tony Chadwick, Trojan’s group managing director, said: “Demand for the Athena hinges has been unprecedented – it’s our biggest ever product launch. The market trend is to move away from the highly visible, bulky type door hinges to more unobtrusive, less visual solutions. The Athena hinge delivers so much more along with security that exceeds PAS 24 legislation.” The Athena hinge