VENT ENGINEERING MARCH WEBSITE PROMOTION

Roof vent specialist, Poole-based Vent Engineering, is offering all visitors who visit its website during March the chance of winning an automated roof vent opening kit worth up to £750.

Visitors to Vent Engineering's website at http://www.vent.co.uk will be invited to register their name and e-mail address. Their details will then be put into the free draw and the lucky winner notified by April 8th.

The prize comprises some of the new products being released for 2002 by Vent Engineering. It will include one EC02 Thermostatic rain and temperature controller, two VentLIGHT thermal clad roof vents and two TOPP Chain acuators suitable for applications ranging from simple domestic conservatories to more sophisticated ventilations systems in shopping malls, offices and other public buildings.

The company can also supply smoke ventilation systems in the event of mains failure and arrange to carry out full installation and commissioning of all systems. Sensitive wind, rain, fire, smoke and temperature sensors are also supplied which will open or close vents automatically depending on what is required.

Vents can also be opened and closed using a simple one-push remote control unit, which can activate up to four electrically-operated actuators on a single channel - or up to eight using the double channel version.

Vent's UK Sales Manager, Lorenzo Jones, comments: 'We're expecting this promotion to be popular with both our existing and prospective customers. Look out for more exciting chances to win throughout 2002!'
Contact: Henrietta, Vent Engineering
Tel: 01202 744958
Email: mailto:info@vent.co.uk
Web: http://www.vent.co.uk

LEADING THE WAY ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB!

Secondary glazing specialists, Selectaglaze, claim to be 'Leading the way on the World Wide Web' with the launch of their new website.

'The original website, launched two years ago, was rated by the industry and media alike as one of the most comprehensive and informative sites around', says Selectaglaze's MD Meredith Childerstone, 'but people's expectations and the way in which they use websites has progressed in leaps and bounds during this time; the business community and public alike, have become far more comfortable with and reliant upon this technology. We are conscious that websites should be treated as 'continuous development projects' and have taken on board our clients needs and desires making our site the best in the sector'.

The site not only provides details of Selectaglaze's complete range of units but is also informative about secondary glazing generally, its uses and benefits, all in a user-friendly format and including specification guidance and procedures; health and safety issues; O and M instructions; section details, etc. It also has a direct e-mail link for all types of enquiries, whether general, sales or technical, plus the
company's free technical advisory service and access to Selectaglaze's CAD facilities.

Visitors to the site are encouraged to make use ofthe main menu, which offers a 'family tree' of section headings with appropriate 'information/self-help' highlighted tags and 'Useful Links' to other relevant sites. One ofthe major enhancements to this new site is the introduction ofa comprehensive 'Picture Gallery' which is broken down into building types and uses - Residential, Commercial, Public Buildings, Museum and Education, Hotel and Leisure. The Picture Gallery shows many Selectaglaze projects with photographs ofexteriors and their corresponding close-up interiors, featuring buildings from a wide range of styles and periods that illustrate the versatility of the product.

The Selectaglaze website can be found at: http://www.selectaglaze.co.uk
Tel: 01727 837271
Email: mailto:enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk

ALL NEW WEBSITE FOR WHS HALO

WHS Halo, the Sutton Coldfield based window extruder and manufacturer of PVC-U windows and doors has now updated and re-launched their web site. The site now boasts a host of exciting new features, and has been specifically designed to offer quick navigation and ease of use thanks to simple cascading menus.

The key to the site is that it will be updated monthly, with details of projects WHS Halo has been involved in, and general features concerning the PVC-u window market as a whole. Regular visitors to the site may also benefit by subscribing to the email reminder service, which notifies visitors automatically of site updates and news.

Other major new features include a comprehensive photo gallery to enable visitors to view the windows in situ, and a selection of downloadable videos highlighting each of the production processes in turn, from the Mixing Plant and Extrusions process right through to Distribution.

The web site has endeavoured to provide a healthy balance of up-to-date information and new features, combined with the previous access to the dedicated press office section, IT support software, technical files, and online ordering facilities. The site is now highly regarded as a complete information source and online ordering facility for both existing and prospective customers.

The site itself is aimed at the same target market as the previous site, primarily those companies doing business within the public and consumer sectors. One major change to the structure of the site is that there is now a dedicated area purely for specifiers and architects choosing PVC-u windows and doors for their projects.

The new WHS Halo site may be located at www.whs-halo.co.uk.

JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY THE DTI & BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE SUPPORT NETWORK TO HELP FIRMS EXPLOIT E-COMMERCE

In a major new initiative to help small firms exploit the multi-billion pound e-commerce market, world-leading companies in the technology and banking sectors have partnered with the British Chambers of Commerce and the DTI led programme, UK online for business, to set up the first ever support network of eBusiness Clubs to help more SMEs do business online.

The cross sector partnership is a collaboration between UK online for business, BT, Cisco Systems Ltd, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Lloyds TSB Bank and Chambers of Commerce and seeks to strengthen public confidence in online trading and to remove the technological barriers that small firms face in doing business online.

The UK-wide initiative will see the initial creation of 16 eBusiness Clubs to support and encourage firms to use technology to succeed in business. Companies that join the clubs will receive information, guidance and practical business solutions to help firms integrate e-commerce solutions into everyday business processes.

Facilitated by 16 participating Chambers of Commerce across the UK, the clubs will meet at a local level, every month over the next year.Businesses can visit the eBusiness Clubs' website launched today for more information at: www.ebusinessclubs.co.uk

E-commerce Minister Douglas Alexander said:
"These clubs will help small firms tap into a market worth billions of pounds in the UK alone. Many small firms have real challenges fully exploiting the opportunities that e-commerce can offer. This initiative will be a real boost for thousands of firms, helping them to grow and flourish. By creating communities of local businesses that face similar issues, these clubs will assist companies really exploit that e-commerce has to offer."

David Lennan, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
"Small firms in the UK are currently holding back when it comes to getting online and consequently, this lends itself to the erosion of UK competitiveness. What is needed is a collaborative approach where everybody in the community rolls their sleeves up and works together to re-position the UK as a serious global e-commerce player.

"The eBusiness Clubs will see a coming together of both public and private sectors with the shared aim of helping to solve continuing problems that small firms in the UK face when adopting internet technologies."

Mike Langston, Managing Director, BT Small & Medium Enterprises said:
"Through working closely with small businesses we have gained a great insight in to the barriers to technology adoption. The eBusiness Clubs will help people unlock the potential of technology and fully exploit it to grow their businesses."

Richard Bradley, Director of Small and Medium Business and Commercial at Cisco Systems Ltd UK & Ireland said:
"The Internet and Internet technologies enable businesses to increase productivity, reduce costs and ultimately become more competitive. The British Chambers of Commerce and UK Online for Business understand how effective Internet business solutions can be. Cisco Systems Ltd is pleased to continue the partnership in conjunction with other ICT industry leaders, to help Small and Medium sized businesses in the UK evolve to become highly competitive in the global market."

David Smith, SME Manager at Hewlett-Packard UK & Ireland said:
"The partnership between leading ICT companies, the British Chambers of Commerce and Government provides a single voice delivering real world solution for UK SMEs, in an easy to understand manner. We are delighted to be part of this exciting new phase of e-business development."

WORK COMMENCES TO HARNESS £1.7 BILLION SPENDING POWER TO ADVANCE BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE


E-Commerce Minister Douglas Alexander announced today that a new team is now working to establish the most effective way of buying broadband for the public sector - ensuring hospitals,schools and libraries can access high speed data rich internet services.

The newly created team is based in the Treasury's Office of Government Commerce (OGC).

Last November at the CBI conference the Prime Minister stated:
"We spend millions every year on IT and communications. It is clear that if we can manage our role as purchaser better we can both improve value for money and have a significant impact on the availability of broadband.

"So we are asking the Office of Government Commerce to look at whether there is more that can be done to help Government departments and others buy broadband more effectively."

The public sector spends an estimated £1.7 billion on ICT each year.
The OGC team will meet with potential broadband suppliers and work with public sector buyers to identify and evaluate procurement options. There are a wide range of potential users in the public sector, including Local Authorities, schools, emergency services and the National Health Service, in addition to central government departments.

In addition, work will be done with Government departments on their demand for broadband services, by analysing the impact of different procurement models on competition, and their likely impact on the availability of broadband.

Speaking at the Europe21 conference in London, Mr Alexander said:
"The OGC's specially created broadband procurement team will play an integral part in making our vision for Broadband Britain a reality.

"As a high spending organisation, the Government wields enormous purchasing power. The OGC team will identify the most effective means for the public sector to buy broadband services so ensuring that schools, hospitals and libraries can have better access to state of the art internet services.

"Widening the broadband network has the potential to revolutionise the way we work. It has the ability to transform the way we provide our public services, the way we run our businesses, the way we communicate - in all, it could transform much of the way we live.

The Government's Broadband Strategy was published by Douglas Alexander on 3 Decemeber and can be found at
http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/ecommerce/broadband/bbsgrep_menu.htm

FURTHER CONSULTATION ON E-COMMERCE LEGISLATION

The DTI today announced that there will be a further consultation
before implementation of the E-Commerce Directive in the UK. The
Directive is designed to encourage e-commerce across Europe, by
breaking down barriers to an industry which is worth £57 billion in
the UK alone.

Responses from the initial consultation clearly identified the need
for further consultation, in order to clarify the legal framework.
The Treasury is launching a separate consultation on implementation of the Directive in the financial services sector.

E-Commerce Minister Douglas Alexander said:

'The Government is committed to making the UK the best place in the world to do e-business.

'We have listened closely to those who responded to our consultation on implementing the E-Commerce Directive. The need for further consultation was clearly identified as the best course for business and consumer confidence.

'The DTI will publish and consult on draft Regulations early in the
New Year which will take into account responses from the previous
consultations. The Government now expects to implement the Directive during the summer.

'It is more important that we get the legal framework for e-commerce right. It is too important to rush. The UK is not alone in this approach, with most other member states working to a similar
timescale.'

Notes
1. The E-Commerce Directive was agreed in May 2000, and was required to be implemented by 17 January 2002. It includes requirements on:

- the information an online service provider must give a consumer;

- the information a consumer must have about the steps to take to
conclude an e-contract;

- the information that must be given about the sender, discounts,
offers etc. in online advertising;

- the limitation of intermediate service providers' liability for
unlawful information or activities they carry or store; and

- the national law that will apply.

2. A DTI consultation on its approach to implementing the Directive
closed on November 2. The consultation document and further
information can be obtained from
http://www.dti.gov.uk/cii/ecommerce/europeanpolicy/
ecommerce_directive.shtml.

Requests for further information can be sent to ecom@dti.gov.uk.

3. In order to ensure effective implementation in the specialised
area of financial services, a separate consultation is being launched
today by the Treasury. The consultation document and further
information can be obtained from: http://www.hm-
treasury.gov.uk/Consultations_and_Legislation/consult_fullindex.cfm.

E Commerce Award for CWG’s Super Highway

Though runners up in the recent Northamptonshire E-Commerce Business Awards scheme, everyone at Corby Windows Group are holding their heads high when compared with the winner and joint runner up.

CWG gained their accolade for the innovative use of its CWG Super Highway computer software with built-in e-commerce ability that provides communication solutions between installer customers and Group order processing at Corby. Customers of all sizes use Super Highway for its versatility especially for display and demonstration purposes, costings, order processing and much more.

Finally, from a vehicle, home or office, their order is e-mailed direct to Corby Windows ready for fabrication. By saving time and effort, orders for fabricated windows, doors and conservatories are efficiently processed and delivered with less potential for error and costly delays.

The overall winner of the e-commerce award was builders' merchant Travis Perkins, the largest supplier of timber and materials in the United Kingdom with over twenty one thousand items listed. Joint runner up with CWG was Europeís leading industrial and electronics supplier, RS Components, with six hundred and seventy nine thousand product entries. Now thatís competition but Corby Windows met the challenge and after just ten short years have proved themselves to be with the leaders in boosting efficiency and communications with their numerous installer customers across the country.

CWG Corby Windows
Tel : + 44 (0) 1536 409100 Fax : + 44 (0) 1536 402177
Email : sales@cwg-uk.com.
Web : www.cwg-uk.com

E-ENVOY'S SECOND REPORT INTO 'UK ONLINE'

The UK online second annual report was launched today, by DTI Secretary of State, Patricia Hewitt and e-Envoy Andrew Pinder. It marks the huge progress made towards ensuring that the UK is a world leader in the knowledge economy.

In the past twelve months great leaps have been made getting UK citizens online, in e-commerce and e-government. We now have the highest Internet use in Europe with 51% of the people in the UK now regularly logging on.

This time last year, public understanding of UK online was low - today the 'Let's all get on' campaign is the first interactive advertising campaign run by the Government and one of the most successful ever on digital television. Nearly 50,000 people have contacted us and taken their first steps to getting online.

This time last year, there were no UK online centres. Today there are more than 2,000 UK online centres in local communities with most offering free or low-cost access to the Internet and training for those less familiar with computers. By the end of 2002 there will be 6,000 UK online centres, including 3000 in local libraries right across England.

This time last year, there were 1.7 million SMEs online, today there are 1.9 million, which is well ahead of the government target. The past 12 months have seen sales conducted over the Internet reach £57bn.

This time last year, the Government Gateway didn't exist. Today 178,000 registered users and 10,000 businesses interact with it, electronically completing a wide range of forms through this single Internet point. The Gateway is so successful it is used as a role model for governments around the world.

This time last year, the Electronic Communications Bill became law. Today, the Annual Report was digitally signed by Patricia Hewitt and Andrew Pinder.
Patricia Hewitt welcomed the achievements in the report. She said: ‘I'm delighted by the progress of not only the Office of the e-Envoy, but also businesses, voluntary organisations, the community and most of all citizens, in taking advantage of the knowledge economy.

‘Two years ago the Prime Minister said that British industry needed to be ambitious in responding to the challenge of e-commerce, that Government needed to put in place the right framework and lead by example and the British people needed to have the confidence and skills to exploit the opportunities. All this is happening - and more. But there is more to be done - particularly to make broadband available across the country.’

Lord Macdonald, Minister for the Cabinet Office also welcomed the report, saying,
‘We're making good progress in getting all of Government services on-line. The Government Gateway didn't exist this time last year. Now 178,000 registered users and 10,000 businesses interact with it daily. The Gateway is so successful it has become a role model for governments around the world.

‘The response to the 'Let's all get on' campaign - the first interactive advertising campaign the Government has run - is also very encouraging. It shows that the demand for information and services online is still growing. Today there are more than 2,000 UK online centres in local communities offering free or low cost access to the Internet - as well as training for those less familiar with computers’

Andrew Pinder, e-Envoy said;
‘This time last year I had just become the acting e-envoy. I am delighted to celebrate the achiev ements of the last year and look forward to the coming year.
‘We have 51% of people in the UK now logging on, Internet access and
training is available at 2,000 UK online centres, there are 1.9 million SMEs online - the list goes on.

‘And the work goes on - we have considerable ambitions for next year. We are working on a programme to add new media and channels to ukonline.gov.uk. Work has already started on Digital TV, WAP phones and kiosks and we will continue until we have universal and inclusive
access for all citizens’.

Copies of the UK online annual report are available on the e-envoy website: http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/ukonline/progress/anrep2001/default.htm

ALEXANDER ANNOUNCES NEW PROJECTS TO FIGHT FRAUD AND BOOST E-COMMERCE CONFIDENCE
E-commerce Minister, Douglas Alexander, today announced the latest round of research into developing new technologies to fight fraud and increase e-commerce security. Four projects at UMIST, Paisley, York and Manchester universities will be given a total of £3m.

The four new projects will develop electronic solutions to help boost confidence in e-commerce and tackle fraud. They include research to
- combat mobile phone;
- tackle benefit fraud;
- develop software to improve e-trading processes; and
- address consumer and industry barriers to e-commerce.

Mr Alexander said:
"The UK is a world leader in the development of cutting-edge technology. These projects will provide tools for business to combat fraud and increase confidence in e-business. The benefits they deliver will help make the UK the best place to do e-business.

"Consumer confidence is key in developing a thriving market trading online. Later this month we will provide a further boost with our campaign to raise consumer awareness on how to shop safely online."

SAINT-GOBAIN LAUNCHES BUILD2PRO SERVICES PORTAL

Building distribution specialist SAINT-GOBAIN has created BUILD2PRO, the services portal for all building professionals. It relies on the experience and logistics of the 4000 outlets of its own brands and those of its exclusive partners, SIGMAKALON and SONEPAR.

The result of 12 months work, BUILD2PRO has been designed by BUILD2GROUP, the SAINT-GOBAIN Building Distribution Branch’s European Internet R&D structure.

BUILD2PRO has been developed with exclusive partners providing the necessary additional expertise to ensure comprehensive service for customers, all professions combined. The partners include SIGMAKALON, one of the leading European building paint distributors, and SONEPAR, the foremost distributor of electrical equipment in Europe.

Backed by a unique network in Europe, BUILD2PRO taps into the acquired experience and the logistical support of 4000 outlets serving a regular customer base of 600 000 tradespeople and SMEs, that is, almost half the players in the European building sector. Backed by these strong positions, BUILD2PRO is firmly committed to positioning itself as the privileged partner of all building professionals.

BUILD2PRO’s role is to provide each profession with a set of effective solutions tailored to their specific needs. To this end, it has a range of over 25 customized information services, including consultancy for tender proposals, assistance with company administration, detailed technical files, assistance with the creation of an Internet site, etc.

BUILD2PRO also provides direct access to all the marketing and merchant sites of the SAINT-GOBAIN Distribution and partner brands in France and abroad (Cédéo, Lapeyre, La Plateforme du Bâtiment, Point.P, Qualitool, CGE Distribution, Seigneurie, Comptoir des peintures Gauthier, Raab Karcher, Jewson, etc.). This intermediation, unique in the building sector, provides all professionals with easy access to an additional product offering, information, and practical advice. It also provides online, round-the-clock, details about all stages in product logistics: orders, stock availability, shipping dates, delivery tracking, etc.

The aim is to make the BUILD2PRO site the reference portal for building professionals in each country in Europe. Initially available in France, the BUILD2PRO portal will gradually be deployed in all countries where SAINT-GOBAIN brands are located. For example, after being adapted for the UK market, the site will come online there early next year; then at the end of 2002, BUILD2PRO will be introduced in Germany; other countries are currently under review.

In order to provide additional service, in terms of the promotion of its tradespeople customers and assistance to homeowners, BUILD2PRO will be offering BUILD2PRO Habitat starting in November 2001. Designed for homeowners wanting to undertake renovation or fitout work, BUILD2PRO Habitat will put them in direct contact with member professionals who have signed a standards charter.

For its launch and promotion, BUILD2PRO will mainly be relying on the strength of its extensive network of brands whose teams are already seen by customers as a credible and legitimate source of recommendation.
With BUILD2PRO, a unique portal in Europe, SAINT-GOBAIN aims to:
- Establish additional links between its customers and the Building Distribution Branch brands;
- Boost the volume of sales by SAINT-GOBAIN Distribution Bâtiment through increased in-store activity and the contribution of merchant site transactions; and
- Create value through an e-commerce strategy that is precisely targeted and responsive to the market’s expectations.

Find out more at: www.build2pro.fr

Last week Hans Herpoel (Group Director Business Units) and Lieven Vandendriessche (Director Supply Chain & ICT) of Deceuninck, had the honour of receiving the prestigious E-Trends Award 2001, in the presence of 400 guests. This award is given to companies that integrate the Internet into their organisation in an innovative manner.

The competition covers two categories; companies, the activities of which are based mainly on the Internet, and those companies that integrate the Internet into their activities. Out of 60 applications, 9 companies were nominated, Deceuninck being named winner of the second category. Deceuninck followed Xeikon, which is quoted on the Nasdaq.

Deceuninck won the award thanks to its SynergeBuild project, whereby the supply chain is more efficiently organised.

For Deceuninck wants to automate its supply chain completely and provide solutions at all levels, from PVC extrusion in the factory itself, window and door fabrication for direct clients, to installation for consumers at home. This project is a strategic initiative and is part of the upgrading of the services provided to clients and end-users. 'This award is about more than a pat on the back for Deceuninck. It is without any doubt the confirmation that we have chosen a good long-term strategy', said Hans Herpoel.

The SynergeBuild story can not be seen as a stand-alone project . It works as a lever for the implementation of the Deceuninck strategy, which is based on excellence in production, product innovation and client contact. A separate legal entity in the shape of a service department was set up specially for SynergeBuild.

Visit the website at www.deceuninck.com to find out more

HomePro restructures and sidelines Fair Trades brand

HomePro Group has re-organised its FairTrades and HomePro business in order to maximise the brand success and potency of the HomePro brand.

From October 1st 2001, FairTrades became a wholly owned subsidiary of HomePro Ltd; whose main trading names are HomePro, HomePro lnsurance - the UK’s leading provider of lnsurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) and HomePro.com, provider of the UK’s most comprehensive Find-a-Pro service.

FairTrades will continue to operate simply as a trade association, while all warranty products will be offered through HomePro Insurance.

The re-organisation is a response to the market requirement, within particular sectors of home improvement for the provision of warranty products - or IBGs. For instance for a trade professional to qualify for the DTl’s new Quality Mark, they will have to offer IBGs as a matter of course. There is also a large demand to utilise new technologies such as the Intemet.

The re-organised company now deals in two major areas:
• providing lnsurance Backed Guarantees; and
• providing an on- and off-line Find-a-Pro service

lBGs are divided into two main types, namely Pay as you go (PAYG) and TradeBonus. The PAYG product allows customers to use lBGs as and when they need them. They will pay the standard list price for all premiums, and this requires no commitment to us in terms of use or volume.The re-organised company now deals in two major areas:
• providing lnsurance Backed Guarantees; and
• providing an on- and off-line Find-a-Pro service

IBGs are divided into two main types, namely Pay as you go (PAYG) and
TradeBonus. The PAYG product allows customers to use IlBGs as and when they need them. They will pay the standard list price for all premiums, and this requires no commitment to us in terms of use or volume.

More from www.homepro.com or email info@homepro.com

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