Stuga Relaunches Website

British fabrication machinery fabricator Stuga Limited has re-designed its web site and has just re-launched it. The new site has the facility for customers to log on and collect information on machinery and maintenance training for Stuga products, as well an on-line spares ordering system.

Whilst the old site was very successful and generated a lot of leads from numerous hits the new one has been designed to be more flexible with regard to updating of information regarding products and news. This means the site will become as useful to current customers as it is to potential new ones.

Stuga recently signed up for Flowline number forty two and three current Stuga Flowline customers have an extra machine on order after expanding following the previous purchase. In one case the new Flowline will be Flowline number two and in two cases it will be number three.

Tel: 01455-554203
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk

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HansenGroup gets Serious about its .BIZ

Founded in 1909, HansenGroup is a Northern European construction specialist with 1000 employees and annual sales of £100 million. HansenGroup is a market leader in curtain wall, commercial windows, fire resistant and structural glazing. It has a sales, design, contracting and production network across five main markets - Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom - most of which operate under separate websites. HansenGroup's UK projects include the Natural History Museum, Microsoft HQ, Canary Wharf and Canada Water Underground.

The Challenge
Before the .BIZ website, HansenGroup had 13 different businesses with inconsistent or no web presence. This meant it suffered from missed opportunities to sell, inconsistent branding of its business units and products, and was unable to leverage the HansenGroup's substance and heritage. Therefore HansenGroup decided it needed to brand all business units under the same web site, thereby supporting the group's marketing and brand strategy.

With business units throughout Northern Europe, HansenGroup decided it needed a domain name that was not country specific and would easily identify the nature of the company as a business.

The Solution
Designed specifically for businesses, .BIZ is the most geographically diversified top-level domain name. It distinguishes companies as a business, ensuring its customers, and potential clients can find them easily on the web.

HansenGroup decided it needed a solution that provided a single multi-purpose, multilingual website with all business units across Europe linked to a single corporate site. HansenGroup's CEO, Laurence Maguire commented, 'HansenGroup.biz was conceived to promote the Hansen brand to external customers, partners and internal employees, as a substantial international company offering a wealth of products and services for the construction industry across Europe territories.' He continued, 'We wanted to appeal to a wide variety of potential users, who have different needs and expectations from the site, whilst still trying to promote sales. By standardising and integrating the business units on one website, the company can boast a single brand with an established reputation and market itself more easily and consistently'.

The Benefits
'This single multi-purpose .BIZ website has helped HansenGroup achieve a number of corporate objectives. Not only does it improve sales through better brand and offer presentation, but also through the ease of cross selling from many different business units. In addition, the one website provides employees with a sense of self worth and team spirit, through helping them feel more informed and motivated about each other', stated Maguire. He added, 'It is envisaged that in the future HansenGroup.biz will form the foundation for the company portal; offering more advanced products and services to employees and partners. The new .BIZ website has and continues to contribute to cultural change across the group, through the continuous development and sharing of information content.'

Web: http://www.hansengroup.biz

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Duraflex Nets New Website

PVCu systems supplier, Duraflex, has launched a new website. By logging onto http://www.duraflex.co.uk fabricators, installers and consumers can now get instant access to the latest information on the company's range of products and support services.

Navigation around the interactive site has been made quick and easy with click on buttons and hotlinks to help guide Duraflex customers and homeowners to the relevant pages for their particular needs. Starting at the home page, visitors can select from a choice of seven sections, ranging from a company profile to detailed specifications on doors and windows currently available in the fully integrated Diamond Suite.

Specifically for Duraflex customers, the Fabricator section provides exclusive access to a host of technical and marketing support material at the touch of a button. The latest product updates can be printed and a handy structural calculator to take the guesswork out of reinforcement calculations can be downloaded. In addition, promotional items such as mailers, adverts and photos which are available on the company's Kit 2 CD, can be viewed on screen or saved to disk. This section also contains a list of contact numbers for getting in touch with key members of the Duraflex sales and technical team.

Other pages on the new site include information on the 65mm and 70mm PVCu systems, details of the BBA and BSI standards to which Duraflex systems comply, and there's a selection of recent company press releases and coverage for visitors to browse through.

From the website's Consumer pages, homeowners considering replacement windows can contact the team via an e-mail hotlink for more information on the company's home improvement products, or request details of their nearest Duraflex fabricator/installer. 'More and more households now have access to the Internet and use this powerful information tool to check out products for their home. That's why we've designed the new site on two levels, so both consumers and fabricators can get the information they need about Duraflex products 24/7,' explains Neil Roberts, Director of Marketing.

Contact: Neil Roberts
Tel: 08705 351351
Email: mailto:duraflex-info@cdw.co.uk

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New Marketing Opportunity for Home Improvement Sector

As consumers flock to a newly-launched website that aims to find answers to even the most difficult home improvement questions, companies in that sector are being invited to take advantage of the marketing opportunities the site offers.

http://www.ask-questions.com, a question and answer forum covering conservatories, replacement windows, kitchens, bathrooms and other types of home improvement, offers first-class advertising and promotional opportunities to companies in these sectors. Like its sister sites - including http://www.conservatoriesonline.com - the new website is confidently expected to attain high search engine positions.

Within three weeks of its launch in January, the site already had well over 200 members. Nearly 250 different topics had been generated, resulting in 476 postings. Questions being asked include 'Who sells mini kitchens including fridge, microwave/hob and sink?' and 'How do you judge the quality of uPVC systems?'
Site developer Barry Dunlop, whose home improvement websites have been taking the sector by storm over the last few years, is delighted by the response to www.ask-questions.com.

He said: 'At this rate we will have 2400 members and 5712 separate postings by the end of the year - creating one heck of a resource! However, I believe we will do far better than this - in fact, it wouldn't surprise me if we exceeded 10,000 postings.

'This means that advertisers on the site can expect a steady and growing audience with exactly the right profile for their products and services. Not many media can boast that!'

Suppliers can contribute to the site by posting answers to queries or by taking advertising on the site. For further details contact Barry Dunlop on 01903 856679 or email him at mailto:barry@ebuilders.co.uk

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Schüco Launches New Website

Schüco, supplier of metal and PVCu window and door systems, has launched its first UK specific website. And in addition to all the advice and information, there’s one added extra! By adding an e into the more familiar spelling of Schüco the new site can be accessed at http://www.schueco.co.uk.

Designed with the needs of specifiers, contractors, developers and fabricators in mind, the site is clear and up-to-date, giving users answers to any questions they have regarding Schüco’s systems. The site provides information on the full range of products, services and training opportunities offered by Schüco. It is simple to navigate and quick to load, allowing users fast and easy access to the information that they require.

In addition to providing general details of Schüco’s products and services, schueco.co.uk offers technical information and solutions to specific problems for different trade sectors. Dedicated areas for architects, fabricators, contractors and developers are available by registering through the site, giving them access to information specific to their needs.

Schueco.co.uk also offers individual consultations, and there are plans to add a full list of Schüco fabricator partners and details of Schüco’s training and testing facilities. The company claims the site will prove to be an invaluable business tool for all those involved in the specification, fabrication and installation of window and door systems.

'Schüco is confident that users of the site will benefit from the same high standards of service and precision that has made Schüco’s name synonymous with quality throughout Europe: The spelling may be different but www.schueco.co.uk is as perfectly engineered as every other Schüco system'. says the company.

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Visit www.direct4trade.co.uk

Building products retailer Direct4Trade has recently added over 100 new products to its website http://www.direct4trade.co.uk. In addition. special offers and clearance products are also promoted on the site.

Specially targeted towards the trade and keen DIY enthusiasts, all of the products on the website are colour coded by category as in the company's catalogue, making all the items easy to find just when you need them. Once you have found the category that you require, the sub indexing system allows you to drill down to product type and then to each individual product line. By clicking on the product line listing adjacent to the photograph you can find extra technical details about the product.

Clicking on the photo itself will allow you to see an enlarged view of the product concerned. For urgent requirements the search facility allows you to find what you need at the click of a mouse.

Once you have chosen the products that you wish to purchase, simply click the update trolley button to add them to your shopping trolley. This function allows you to build up your order over the course of a week, as all items selected remain in the trolley for seven days. The shopping trolley also gives you the option to request faster deliveries for those urgent jobs, at minimal cost to yourself.
Once you have decided what you wish to purchase, then you can proceed to the payment screen which accepts all major credit and debit cards. The payment screens have been set up in conjunction with Netbanx, ensuring that your card details remain secure at all times.

As with all orders placed with Direct4Trade before 6.30pm, website orders are despatched for delivery next working day to most areas of the UK mainland. Orders over £45 ex VAT are delivered free of charge, with a small delivery applicable for orders under this amount.

http://www.direct4trade.co.uk also contains information about Direct4Trade along with informafion on current promotions and competitions.

Tel: Freephone (08000) 348348.
Email: mailto:info@direct4trade.co.uk

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New Look Website from Synseal

The new look Synseal website is live and ready to welcome online visitors. Interactive and easy to navigate, http://www.synseal.com has been designed with the browser in mind. As well as having fast and easy access to information on the entire product range, a comprehensive FAQ section and technical manuals are available 24 hours a day at the click of a mouse.

There is also a photographic and presentation library where Shield customers can access resources for use in their own sales and advertising. For visitors wanting to keep up to date with UK Conservatory Sales trends, the Shield sponsored Conservatory Quarterly Trends report is updated online monthly.

Synseal is keen to hear what you think, so when you sign up for the online ezine updates to keep you up-to-date with the latest Synseal developments, let the company know your views.

Tel: (01623) 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

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Windows on the Web

The Clement Windows Group Ltd, the steel window company, has recently launched its new interactive website http://www.clementwg.co.uk. The website offers the opportunity to view the company's range of products, including its range of steel windows, glass & glazing, CAST rooflight and home improvement products.

The site is equipped with a section which enables its users to download CAD drawings, full product specifications and 3D models. Visitors can also find out more information about the Part L regulations governing the use of steel windows in new build and refurbishment projects. Information on Clements new range of EB24 Part L compliant steel windows can also be found and product specifications downloaded.

The site also displays Clement Windows' recently revised Environmental policy. This section of the website demonstrates in graphical form, the radical re-think currently taking place concerning the way in which we use and waste energy.

'Clement Windows Group Ltd was established nearly 100 years ago and has risen to become a pioneer in the industry, with the introduction of its new web portal the latest indication of its supremacy and innovative approach within the marketplace. The site, packed with a number of case studies, media stories and useful links, has already proved to be an invaluable search tool for many; 'very clear, comprehensive yet uncluttered unlike some I have been to!' one client commented on the site' says the company
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For further information on Clements' range of steel, PVCu and home improvement products visit http://www.clementwg.co.uk

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UK Business 'More Strategic Approach' to E-Business - Half of UK Firms now Ordering Online

UK business is making good progress in the e-business arena according to a new report published on 3rd December 2002 by DTI-led UK online for business. The International Benchmarking Study 2002 revealed that half of businesses in the UK are ordering online and there is evidence that businesses are adopting a more strategic approach and making more sophisticated use of new technologies.

E-commerce Minister Stephen Timms said:

'UK businesses are beginning to make the best of, and get the benefits from, new technology, but we must not stop here.

'Companies understand that e-business is no longer just about having a website or e-mail and that they must now focus on using technology to transform all their business processes.

'The report showed encouraging signs of more sophisticated use of, and strategic approaches to, e-business, and that we are well ontrack to developing an advanced e- economy.'

The study showed that the take up of e-business technology has remained steady against figures from last year, with 91% of business having access to the internet, and 80% have a website. While the proportion of businesses using information and communication technology (ICT) has not increased greatly this year, UK business is making more sophisticated use of the technology available to them. The study showed that technology is helping to improve communication and transactions between and within businesses. There was a large increase in businesses ordering online and greater use of technology to track and check availability of goods. More businesses also provided information to customers and suppliers online and shared information internally.

Key findings from the study include:
- half of firms now order goods and services online, a 52% increase on 2001;
- nearly two thirds (63%) of these companies already, or plan to, integrate services into their internal systems; and
- nearly one fifth of firms now pay online, an increase of nearly 20%.

E-business technologies are helping to transform other business practices. Nearly half (47%) of companies use ICT for research and development purposes, placing the UK third out of the ten countries surveyed.

The study also showed that firms are feeling the benefits of e-business. 87% of firms who adopted e-business solutions to reduce costs and improve efficiency found that ICT had realised a positive impact in this area. Confidence in ICT security had increased, as fewer firms (1%) were concerned about confidentiality and fraud.

Web: http:// www.dti.gov.uk

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Free Starring Internet Role for Conservatory Projects - Website runs 'Project of the Month' Feature

Conservatory website http://www.conservatoriesonline.com is offering conservatory suppliers a free starring role on its website.

The website, which attracts up to 2,000 visitors a day, is incorporating a 'Project of the Month' feature, for which suppliers are invited to submit photographs together with some background information. The selected project will also be featured on the sister site http://www.conservatorybuyersguide.co.uk.

Criteria on which the projects are chosen include the design and use of the conservatory, any particular challenges or difficulties overcome during the construction and the quality of the photograph submitted.

Barry Dunlop, who heads up home improvement website specialist eBuilders - owner of the two sites carrying the feature - will make the selection each month from the projects submitted.

'It's a great opportunity for suppliers to demonstrate their capabilities to their exact target audience,' Barry said.

'Conservatoriesonline.com, launched two years ago, has produced thousands of leads resulting in millions of pounds-worth of revenue for suppliers taking advantage of free listings on the site, buying low-cost hyperlinks to their own sites and taking banner advertisements.'

Suppliers who want to submit projects for consideration can contact eBuilders on 01903 856679 for more details or email mailto:barry@ebuilders.co.uk

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Aztec goes Worldwide

Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems has launched a new website aimed at helping fabricators, installers and consumers through the process of specifying, designing and building a conservatory.

The new site - http://www.aztecsystems.co.uk - features separate sections for each market, so consumers can understand specification considerations, and the benefits of choosing an Aztec roof, without being able to access market-sensitive information, whilst fabricators and installers can work out the detail of each project.

As well as covering the features of the Aztec product the site covers issues such as choice of style, roof glazing, planning considerations. It also includes the facility for fabricators and installers to request costings for specific projects.

Says Colin Bennett, managing director of Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems, 'We all know the frustration of not being able to locate a specific site, or it taking so long to download we give up and go elsewhere!'

Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk

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New Shepley WWWebsite is now Online

After months of development, the new look Shepley.com website is now live. As well as informing customers and the market on all aspects of Shepley business, the main focus of the website is to keep customers 'in the know' by offering over 100 pages of relevant information. The site hosts a news section of product and service developments, press releases and articles.

It also has a password protected Customer centre, allowing selected companies to take advantage of the following services at the click of a button:

* Technical Resource. A source of technical information to replace Shepley's technical manual. Features include advice on how to order, down-loadable system drawings and order forms.

* Business Advice. This feature offers retail advice from a variety of industry experts, including best practices and business development solutions in bite-size articles

* Marketing and Sales. Customers are offered the convenience of ordering a range of marketing support online.

Visit http://www.shepley.com to see it for yourself. Shepley customers can log onto the members only Customer Centre simply by entering their company name and Shepley account code.

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Faster Fastener Website from Seac

Seac, manufacturer and supplier of specialist fasteners to the construction and manufacturing industries, has re-launched its web site.

Designed to be quick and easy to navigate, the site offers new features. Full product information is available on all fixing and fastener ranges, plus technical information to assist architects, specifiers and design engineers in selecting the right fasteners for each application.

An interactive colour chart allows viewers to see Polytops injection moulded fasteners in 48 different colour options, and downloadable brochures mean that product information and technical details are available immediately. A contact form allows visitors to order product information and free samples in one step.

The site is updated with news releases and new product information as it becomes available, plus visitors may also keep up to date with Seac's products by adding their names to an online mailing list.

Tel: 0116 273 9501
Email: mailto:enquiries@seac.uk.com
Web: http://www.seac.uk.com