New Aids to Help Promote your Business
       
Shepley has widened its marketing support package with the launch of several new professionally designed Visage tools helping installers to stand out from the crowd.

The Ornate leaflet promotes the new fully sculptured alternative to any homeowner considering replacing their replacements. A new after-sales survey, designed to encourage homeowners to rate their satisfaction levels, helps professional installers build a portfolio of endorsements.

Shepley has also produced a leaflet on its new composite door that makes clear the benefits of the market-leading Visage door to the homeowner. Covering all aspects, the new package also includes a retail flyer that demonstrates the lifestyle appeal of PVCu windows, doors and conservatories. It includes advantages of buying PVCu products, reasons for replacing, and an enquiry reply card.

And to make the package complete, there's a referral card for installers to pass on to the homeowner for recommending them to their friends or colleagues.

Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james.brisbane@shepley.com
Web: http://www.shepley.com

ASA Clears Network Veka Prize Comp
       
The Advertising Standards Authority has exonerated Network Veka after investigating a complaint about the 'Win a Laguna' competition in it current national advertising campaign.

The organisation heard that the ASA will take no further action and the advert will not feature it on its 'name-and-shame' web page.

The competition ran within all magazine adverts throughout the first phase of the national campaign. It is not known whether the complaint came from a consumer or from elsewhere within the window industry but it alleged the competition may have constituted an illegal lottery because it did not offer a 'no purchase necessary' route to entry.

However the ASA replied that it is satisfied that Network Veka took appropriate advice before launching the competition and that a series of questions put to competitors constituted an element of skill. This meant it was a competition, not a draw, so the purchase requirement was permissible.

The competition was open to all householders placing an order with any Network Veka member up to the end of May and the many entries are now being processed to determine the tie-break winner.

Tel: 01282 473170

Acorn Windows Drive off lsuzu Truck at Ultraframe Sponsored National Conservatory Awards

Acorn Windows of Bilborough, Nottingham has now taken ownership of a very special prize scooped at the 2003 National Conservatory Awards dinner sponsored by Ultraframe, the international designer and manufacturer of conservatory systems.

James Hibbert, Managing Director of Acorn Windows received his prize of an Isuzu Grafter truck at the Commercial Vehicle show at Birmingham NEC on the lsuzu stand on March 18th.

Isuzu sponsored the grand prize draw at the National Conservatory Awards dinner and provided the prize of a NKR- T Grafter 3.5 tonne, twin rear-wheeled tipper truck. The truck was liveried as part of his award for Acorn Windows and the official handover was the first time James had seen the truck.

(L-R) Nikki King, md Isuzu Truck UK, Peter Allen, sales director Ultraframe, James Hubbert, Acorn Windows, Bob Haughton Operations Director and deputy md Isuzu

Peter Allen, Sales Director at Ultraframe UK Ltd, Nikki King, Managing Director of lsuzu Truck (UK) Ltd and Bob Haughton, Operations Director and deputy MD of lsuzu truck presented the keys to James.

The National Conservatory Competition continues to go from strength to strength and the 2004 competition will be launched later this year. Following the outstanding success of this year's scheme, lsuzu have again agreed to supply the Grand prize of a Grafter Tipper.

A delighted James said, 'the truck looks superb and the livery provides a fantastic advert for the company. It was overwhelming to scoop the prize from the 25 other companies at the awards dinner. It will be used by one of our building teams who do not yet have their own truck, so it will make a great difference to our business.'

Peter Allen, Ultraframe's Sales Director commented, 'The grafter fits the bill for conservatory base builders. It provides a safe environment for loading and unloading and we were so impressed by Isuzu's range we ordered two trucks for our own use.'

Tel: 01200 452367
Web: http://www.ultraframe.com

Not Just a Lick of Paint

With soaring demand for Shepley's conservatories, the company has invested in new livery for its dedicated conservatory trucks. This is just part of the trade fabricator's ongoing investment programme, which for 2002 totalled £750,000. 'We have a total of ten vans on the road delivering over 4,000 windows, doors and conservatories each week,' says James Brisbane, marketing manager of Shepley.

'The new livery isn't just a lick of paint,' James continues. 'It promotes the fact that we now fabricate conservatories, as well as windows and doors, and makes the Shepley brand name even more recognisable to homeowners and potential installers. The more we market our professional conservatory range, the easier it is for our installers to sell.'

Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james.brisbane@shepley.com

A Low Pitch Roof System that is Packed with Support

K2 Conservatory Roof Systems' marketing and sales support packages are set to be enhanced by the introduction of several new promotional items to supplement the launch of the company's sister brand, L2 in a Pack.

Designed to integrate with K2's suite of marketing literature, L2 in a Pack's new support materials promise to provide fabricators and installers alike with a set of sales tools, from which to position themselves at the forefront of the industry.

Those receiving the package will benefit from the following:
* Product Wallcharts
* Price and Ordering Guide
* Trade Brochure
* Comprehensive Installation Guide

In addition, L2 in a Pack is also available in a miniature sample version, which comes complete with its own carrier case. As with the K2 roof sample carrier cases, they come complete with reinforced handles and shoulder straps, and are also available for personalisation, allowing dealers to have their own logo put on the outside of the bag.

Tel: 01204 554580
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com

Ideal Homes Exhibition Featured Activ

Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass was promoted by some of the biggest names in the building industry at the recent Ideal Homes exhibition at Earls Court in London.

Everest windows now include the self-cleaning glass as part of its national product offering and promoted it in particular as a central part of their exhibition sales package. Portland Conservatories also promoted Pilkington Activ™ on the company's stand using the time lapse video, which illustrates how the glass works.

'We were delighted to see the exposure that Pilkington Activ™ received from companies exhibiting at Ideal Homes,' said marketing communications manager for Primary Products, UK and Ireland, Chris Gill.

'This kind of endorsement is very important for us. Everest in particular deal with the full range of doors, windows and conservatories and where they lead, others will follow.'

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Come on you Veka!

Red is the colour, Veka is the name according to Welsh football club Afan Lido who have recently been sponsored by local Veka fabricator Mort Windows.

Pyle, South Wales based Mort Windows was keen to chip in when the company heard through an Afan Lido supporting employee that the local football club was in desperate need for sponsorship. Mort saw this as an excellent opportunity to support the local community as well as driving up interest in the company's business. The new football kit is splashed with the Veka name along with advertising boards around the pitch advertising Network Veka, of which Mort is a member.

Mort Windows is a small but successful company supplying windows and conservatories to the domestic and trade markets in the area. Since joining Network Veka two years ago and backed by Veka, Mort has reintroduced its installation division. With sales climbing the company will be making a significant investment in new machinery and extended production facilities during the next 12 months.

Manager Chris Jones commented 'We were delighted to be able to sponsor our local club Afan Lido - the Mort Windows/Veka name looks good on the strip and also around the stadium. Unfortunately in the first match played in the new kit they lost to Wrexham in the Welsh Cup, but there is always next season!'

Tel: 01282 71661
Web: http://www.vekauk.com

Status Sponsors New Youth Cricket Kit

PVCu extrusion company Status has helped to support one of its fabricators over-riding passions - cricket. The company is sponsoring the youth kit of Corsham Cricket Club of which Status fabricator Martin Hick of M&J Windows is an active sponsor, manager and coach. Over the years the club has become one of the most successful local cricket clubs in the west.

This is particularly relevant at a time when the club has put forward 12 of its junior members to the district and county trials. Thirteen year olds Sam Collier and Tamlyn Goodrich have recently been accepted at county level, playing for the Wiltshire Country Cricket squad.

'Without the help of companies like Status sponsoring our youth team, it would be much more of a struggle for these kids to exploit the sporting opportunities open to them,' said M&J owner Martin Hick. 'The window industry has always been sports oriented, and I believe that for many of us running a successful window company is not just a way of making a living, but a way of opening up opportunities to the local community as well.'

Status area manager Mike Thomas added:
'M&J has been a loyal Status fabricator since it was set up eight years ago, and Martin has always demonstrated such passion for his cricket. It is part of our Status philosophy to help support our customers' interests, interests that go beyond the confines of the industry.'

Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:info@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk

UAP Offers Free Light Box

UAP has recently developed and launched a free light box which the company is giving away when customers purchase its Safe2Bond bevel bonding adhesive.

Sales Manager, John Cross explains, 'Safe2Bond has been very well received, especially in the light of recent developments by the Health and Safety Executive. In order to sell even more we wanted to give our customers the chance to own a high quality light table.

'Many customers struggle using the old hand held units which are okay for small jobs, but the professional wants to use a light box. Our light box uses safe white light and comes complete with CE marking. There is no need to undertake any risk assessment for this equipment, as you would have to do with UV light tables.

'Whilst we recommend using disposable gloves to act as a barrier to any adhesive, there is no need for any other personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, face creams etc.

'Safe2Bond has other excellent benefits apart from being safe to use, it's easy wipe facility is favoured by many in the industry whilst it's ability to give bevel an extra sparkle is welcomed by everyone.'

Tel: 0161 763 5290
Email: mailto:univ.imports@ukonline.co.uk
Web: http://www.universal-imports.com

Top Gear Launch for Safeware

The chance to sponsor an up-and-coming racing motorcyclist added excitement to the launch of Safeware - a new brand of window and door hardware.

At the Birmingham launch of Safeware, a division of Profile 22, an auction was held among the 90 guests to sponsor Mark Burr who will be riding nationally in the 2003 British Supersport Championship as part of the Carbontek Team.

Three of his events were auctioned to the highest bidders and secured by: Philip and Martin Lawton of Slaithwaite Developments Ltd for the Oulton Park meeting; Karl Quick of South Western Windows for the Brands Hatch meeting and Ken Taylor of Superseal for Donington Park in September.

Sponsorship by three companies, all Profile 22 fabricators, entitles them to display their logos on the bike and enjoy full hospitality, entertaining and networking opportunities on the race days.

Pictured left to right - Rider Mark Burr, Karl Quick, Philip Lawton, Martin Lawton and Ken Taylor

National Sales Manager of Profile 22, Kevin Cornwall, says: 'We are delighted to be supporting Mark again in 2003 following his success in the British Superbike series and glad that he is part of the team in raising Profile 22's profile.'

Nic Rossano, Product Manager at Profile 22, presented the Safeware concept and range in offering a dedicated service to the systems company's customers on the full range of hardware products, all of which have been exclusively designed for the Profile 22 suite.

The Safeware range offers customers competitively priced and high quality products conforming to Secured by Design, together with all the convenience of sourcing from just one specialist supplier.

Nic comments: 'Safeware is an entirely new concept and one which demonstrates to our customers that we take their hardware needs seriously, in terms of quality, durability and service.

'The range is specially engineered to fit the Profile 22 suite, making fabrication and installation simpler and quicker. With our customers manufacturing tens of thousands of doors per year, they need to ensure that the locks they are using are robust and reliable in use.

'Our philosophy of engineering the locks to fit our profiles ensures that the locks are reliable in service, and quick and efficient to fit during fabrication,' adds Nic.

First products to be launched under the Safeware brand are three new door locks - all tailored to fit and meeting the requirements of PAS 23 and PAS 24.

The three door locks - Safeware 3+, Safeware 7 and Safeware 'SL' - are manufactured from stainless steel and high quality die-castings.

Safeware 3+ is a 'Clean Face' lock with options of shootbolts at the top and bottom of the door leaf and is suitable for single or double (French) door sets.
Extra security comes in the shape of Safeware 7 - a seven-point lock offering three counter-opposing hooks and four adjustable rollers or cams. The hooks take care of security, while the rollers securely seal the door.

Completing the trio is the Safeware SL lock solution for double doors or French Door 'slave leaves'. All lock products are supplied as individually packed components, or as lock packs, containing everything you need to fabricate your door.

Tel: 01952 290910

Patiomaster NI Jumps to the Cause

PatioMaster Northern Ireland jumped at the chance to help sponsor young gymnasts competing in the Home Nations Championship Celtic Cup 2003.

The Co Antrim-based company's sponsorship package included PatioMaster t-shirts worn by the judges and coaches at the event organised by the Northern Ireland Amateur Gymnastics Association.

Around 70 gymnasts from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland competed in senior and junior categories at the Lisburn Leisure Centre. Other sponsors were the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, Northern Bank and Lisburn City Council.

'It was a great day and we were complemented on the t-shirts which added plenty of the colour to the crowd!' commented Peter McMaster, Director of PatioMaster Northern Ireland, who also presented some of the prizes.

PatioMaster simplifies the job of installing patio doors by offering production of ready-made patio doors through a network of approved regional fabricators.

Tel: 01952 210850

Synseal's Sample Hardware Cases

Synseal is sending customers specially manufactured sample boxes, displaying the company's range of hardware.

'Our customers can see first hand the quality of the products we are offering,' explains Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal Extrusions Ltd. 'They can also see the specially reduced prices that we have negotiated on their behalf. These prices even apply to our new door and shootbolt locks.'

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

Scott stb in Pole Position

Scott stb has continued its sponsorship of racing driver Daniel Stilp, who last year drove in the Renault Clio Cup Series. This year Dan is driving in the Caterham 400 Challenge and is leading the championship after the first two rounds held at Donnington Park.

Coming 2nd and 3rd in respective rounds, Dan is five points ahead of team mate John Ingram. The car also stood out from the rest of the field in the Scott stb corporate grey/red machinery colours. Scott stb will be running track days using a sports Caterham throughout the year.

If you are interested in participating, please email mailto:anna@scottstb.com

Ultraframe Unlocks Homeowner Demand for its Customers with £2m Consumer Campaign

Ultraframe is taking the worry out of conservatory buying with the launch of The Ultraframe Essential Guide to Conservatories, which demystifies the purchasing process for the consumer. The Essential Guide gives consumers all the help they need to plan, decorate and buy a conservatory, increasing consumer confidence in the buying process, conservatory quality and installation. 'This can only lead to increased demand - and therefore sales leads - for Ultraframe's retail installers', the company says.

'By delivering a satisfactory buying and owning experience, the estimated £40 billion potential of the UK conservatory market will be unleashed, leading to increased sales and profits for all', the firm adds.

Apart from the historical and ongoing growth of the sector - by as much as 10% per year - Ultraframe has identified over 5 million consumers who have a lifestyle profile similar to existing owners. Targeted at potential conservatory buyers, The Essential Guide is a regularly published publication that delivers to consumers information and practical advice on the conservatory and will be mailed to hundreds of thousands of homeowners every year.

Running to 36 pages, the full-colour magazine-style guide covers all aspects of the conservatory; from history, styles, planning, conservatory 'climate' control and installation through to dressing and decoration, lifestyle 'opportunities', planting and garden environment, FAQ's and, not least, indicative fully installed prices and how to locate a professional installer.

For added inspiration, The Essential Guide also includes a selection of radical designs created for leading personalities. The first of these to be built - the Wellbeing Pyramid Conservatory designed by paranormalist Uri Geller - is also heavily featured and will, with Uri himself, provide a launch platform for a series of promotional initiatives designed to generate additional sales leads for installers of Ultraframe systems.

Other initiatives complementing this innovation from the designer and manufacturer of conservatory systems currently include:

* The launch of The Ultraframe Guild of Approved Conservatory Installers, developed to ensure homeowners can source quality installation companies.

* A Web site - http://www.ultraframe-conservatories.com - that is the on-line version of The Ultraframe Essential Guide to Conservatories which gives consumers details of how to locate the nearest member of The Ultraframe Guild of Approved Conservatory Installers.

* Members of The Ultraframe Guild of Approved Conservatory Installers will receive regular sales leads by email, SMS text or fax.

* A consumer hotline - 0500 822340 - which will again connect homeowners with a handy member of The Ultraframe Guild of Approved Conservatory Installers.

* Extensive advertising and PR in leading newspapers and home interest magazines designed to heighten awareness of The Essential Guide and The Ultraframe Guild among consumers.

Through its regular focus groups with conservatory owners and those considering purchasing a conservatory, Ultraframe realised that the growth of the market could be impeded if consumers lacked confidence in either the product or installation process. Uncertainty about style, planning permission, reliability, quality, sourcing professional installers and finding top independent advice on conservatories all may hinder homeowners in realising one of the most pleasurable home enhancements available to them.

Tel: 01200 452214
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk

Everwhite - 'Always at the Leading Edge'

This month saw the launch of the most comprehensive marketing and promotions programme in the history of Everwhite. This integrated and sustained campaign, encompasses advertising, direct mail, new literature, and business development packages.

Tony Crutcher, Sales & Marketing Director for Everwhite Plastics Ltd, explains:
'Always at the Leading Edge' is the new advertising strap-line for Everwhite. It epitomises everything we stand for in product quality, innovation and reliability. Supported by extensive public relations activity our new advertising campaign commences in top industry magazines.

'Our marketing team has been inspired by Everwhite to produce a dynamic new branding image for Everwhite and the industry - epitomised by the thrilling, fast-moving ruggedness of the surfer.

'There has never been a better time to be involved with Everwhite.

'In 2003 we are launching 200 new products enabling us to offer the complete solution - with a portfolio of over 700 products. Our new Xsel distributor support package will also unveiled encompassing presentation sample box. Stockist signs; new-style brochure; new 2003 price list; sales incentive schemes and much more.

'Our £1.7 million factory investment & extension nears completion - compromising 80,000 sq feet of production and internal stockholding space - giving you fast delivery of orders in full and on time.

'With hot news of the transition of our Quality System to the newest standard ISO9001: 2000 - in addition to the BSI Kitemark, BS EN ISO 9002 Registration and BBA certification - these are exciting times for Everwhite.'

Tel: 01685 882447

Direct Trade in a League of its Own

Yorkshire-based Premier Profiles fabricator, Direct Trade, has made its name as a high quality manufacturer of windows, doors and conservatories, but it's a new pair of dugouts that are helping to raise its profile in and around Castleford.

Direct Trade has supplied leading rugby league premiership club, Castleford Tigers, with the home and away players' dugouts at The Jungle ground. The four metre long, 1.5 metre high, fully glazed units, fabricated using Premier Profiles PVCu panels, were unveiled for the first time at the Tigers opening game of the new Super League season against Wigan Warriors recently.

Though its head office is in Doncaster, Direct Trade opened a brand new conservatory centre in Normanton, near Castleford, last year, displaying a wide range of fully built conservatories. When approached by Castleford's commercial department about manufacturing the dugouts, Direct Trade was able to draw on previous experience having supplied several local football clubs.

Commenting on this unusual application, Steve Green, managing director of Direct Trade said: 'This has been an interesting project for both parties. It enables the rugby club to kick off its new season with a stylish new pair of dugouts, whilst our involvement with the Tigers, in a rugby league stronghold such as Castleford, significantly helps to raise awareness of our presence in this area.'

Tel: 01302 311200
Email: mailto:info@premierprofiles.ltd.uk

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