Awards & Standards @ THE GL@ZINE

Awards and Standards April 2004

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Listers Gains West Midlands Business of the Year Recognition

Lister Trade Frames Ltd (Stoke) was one of the three finalists for Business of the Year at the West Midlands construction industries first-ever awards presentation for innovation and best practice.

The inaugural Building Excellence Awards were presented at an event hosted by the West Midlands Construction Forum on Thursday 26th February at the Belfry Hotel in Wishaw.

George Marsh, chairman of Chase Norton Construction and chair of the West Midlands Construction Forum, said the aim of the awards was to celebrate the contribution the construction industries of the West Midlands makes to the lives of all who live and work in these regions.

‘This was an important event as it provided the opportunity to raise the profile of the construction industry, the UK’s largest single industry, which employs more than 1.5 million people and carries out over £60 billion worth of work each year,’ he said.

‘Our inaugural Building Excellence Awards dinner was a wholehearted success, and I am delighted that so many leading members of the industry supported the event.’

Although Listers was pipped at the post by Winners Alumet Systems (UK) Ltd, based in Southam and Halesowen, Listers Managing Director, Mark Warren says it’s a real achievement for Listers to be recognised in this way.

Phil Warren, Listers Sales Director (left) & Andrew Lister, Listers Company Secretary (right) at the Business Awards presentation at the Belfry.

‘To be short listed for such an important industry award is great, and then to be chosen as one of the three top companies in the region is a real boost to the companies morale. Everyone at Listers works really hard at making the company a success and this is a real pat on the back for them.’

Mark says ‘Over the last 28 years Listers have gained an excellent reputation within the building plastics, windows and conservatories market. This award shows that our achievements are now being recognised throughout the Region.’

Founding sponsors of the Building Excellence Awards were Advantage West Midlands, Business Link Staffordshire, Coventry University Enterprises Ltd, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Learning and Skills Council, Stourbridge College and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The West Midlands Construction Forum was created in 2003. Its membership includes clients, employers, trades unions, training providers, designers and trades people involved in the industry, who work together to promote high standards of construction and to raise the profile of the industry.
More than £1,600 was raised at the event for CRASH, the construction and property industry charity for the homeless.

Contact: Mark Warren
Tel: 01782 205605
Email: mailto:mark.warren@listertf.co.uk

Masterframe Newly Accredited BBA Approved Sliding Sash Window

Masterframe Windows Ltd was presented at Glassex with its newly accredited BBA Certification – the highest technical approval available for products for use in construction. High quality materials, high performance, durability and quality assured manufacture are all recognised by BBA approval.

Masterframe believes it is the only PVCu sash window fabricator with such broad BBA Certification, encompassing surface applied Georgian bars, pre tension balances, weather testing, salt spray testing of furniture, and thermal calculations.

New developments will be shown at Interbuild for the ‘Bygone & Vintage’ windows that have now been approved for use in conservation area projects. A continuous horn feature is now included.

The new ‘Authentic & Classic’ window will be exhibited for new build and retail sales and the latest ‘Heritage’ window is aimed at the new build and commercial market.

Visit Interbuild Stand 6E24 April 25th – 29th NEC Birmingham to see Masterframe’s special offers.

Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk

National Conservatory Competition gives Clements 1st Prize

Clement Windows Group, the oldest family run windows business in the UK, has won first place in the commercial category at this year's Ultraframe Sponsored Conservatory Competition. The winning PVC Climatec conservatory will act as a glass-roofed showroom to demonstrate the latest in window and doors, at the Clement Windows Group head office, Haslemere, Surrey.

The awards, sponsored by Ultraframe, the international designer and manufacturer of conservatory systems, is an annual showcase of the best-designed and installed conservatories in the UK.

Clement Windows Group has been invited to the annual awards dinner on 2nd April 2004 where the company will be presented with a glass trophy for the best conservatory in the commercial category.

Photographs of the Clement Windows Group Climatec showroom conservatory will also be displayed at this year's Glassex 2004 exhibition in Birmingham.
Peter Clement is delighted with the award: 'I am delighted that we have won the commercial category in this year's National Conservatory competition, it makes all the hard work and effort that has gone into this new showroom worth while and I'm looking forward to receiving the trophy at the Awards Dinner next month'.

The conservatory is made from toughened glass and has an Ultraframe roof. The showroom conservatory will display all of Clement Windows' extensive range of products and a computer system that will allow prices and illustrations to be given to customers immediately.

For more information on Clement Windows Group telephone 01428 643393 or email mailto:info@clementwg.co.uk or visit http://www.clementwg.co.uk

UKae Demonstrates its Customer Credentials with ISO9001:2000 Award

UKae Ltd – manufacturer and supplier of sealed unit components, consumables and decorative glass products for the UK window industry – has been awarded ISO9001:2000 approved status by the British Standards Institute (BSI).

The ISO9001:2000 quality management standard is world renowned as a benchmark of excellence, consistency in working practice, superior communication skills and production efficiency. The system embraces many important factors in the successful running of a quality-controlled business, including key policies and objectives, regulatory requirements, improving use of time and resources and reducing wastage.

However, one of the most important new criteria of the recently updated ISO9001:2000 standard is the ability to understand customer requirements with a view to achieving customer satisfaction. It was this level of customer focus that most impressed BSI assessors during their visit to UKae.

Managing Director Garry Ealing explains:
‘UKae as an organisation has always been close to its customers, and we actively canvas them regularly for their opinions, feedback and ideas. We recently organised the development of a special CD ROM to help our customers achieve fast-track CE Marking with the advent of the new EN 1279 standard, an idea which came about as a direct result of consultation with our customers.

‘Another good example of UKae’s commitment to customer focus is the recent development of a Georgian centre key made from a new generation engineering polymer, an innovation prompted by regular conversations with one of our major customers, Uniglaze 2 of Norwich.

‘Ultimately, UKae is nothing without its customers and we recognise the importance of listening to them and acting on their feedback with continuous development and improvement initiatives.’

Tel: 0121 313 3010
Email: mailto:ukae@minworth.freeserve.co.uk

Elite 70 - Setting the Standard

HW Plastics has announced that Elite 70 accreditation has been achieved for BS: 7413 (to be superseded by BSEN 12608 in April 2004), and BS:7950 for casement windows. Peter Jones, HW Plastics' Accreditations Engineer, oversaw the testing at BSI.

Peter commented: 'Test reports are now available and product certification will be formally released in April 2004. Our customers are being informed of this important development through personal visits and via the industry media'.

Tel: 01625 666119

BBA Certificates

This month's What's New section of the BBA website features information on new Agrement certificates awarded to companies in the window industry.

New Certificates

BBA Certificates Added Between 21st November 2003 - 17th December-2003
K2 Conservatory Roof Systems - CRS
Roof system for conservatories used as extensions to new or existing buildings. Detail Sheet covers: K2 Conservatory (DS2, Edition 1).

Certificates Added Between 18th December 2003 - 16th February 2004
03/4054 MASTERFRAME PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - MASTERFRAME WINDOWS LTD
03/4071 ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM (299Kb PDF file) - LINK CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEMS
04/4074 HW SYSTEMS PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEMS - SLJ WINDOWS & DOORS
04/4077 SWISH PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - WALL-LAG (WALES) LTD, T/A Snowdonia (Windows & Doors)Ltd

Amendments to existing Certificates
01/3836(2nd Issue) KBE PVC-u Window System - DEM Window Solutions Ltd
Includes 'Enhanced resistance to intrusion' (Detail Sheet 3). Detail Sheet covers: Outward Opening System (DS3, Edition 1).

Amendments to existing Certificates
00/3768 SPEED FRAME OLYMPIC GOLD PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM (487Kb PDF file) - SPEED FRAME PVCU WINDOWS LTD

Certificate withdrawals
02/3974 THE DURAFLEX PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - W H BECKETT & CO LTD (withdrawn)
99/3609 ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - FIRST PLASTICS LTD (withdrawn)

Certificate Suspensions
None.

Certificates deleted
00/3765 DEEPLAS PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - COULTER WINDOWS LTD (lapsed)
88/2046 REHAU UPVC WINDOW SYSTEM - DESSIAN PRODUCTS LIMITED (lapsed)
89/2176 REHAU UPVC WINDOW SYSTEM - DISCOUNT WINDOW SYSTEMS LIMITED (lapsed)

Web: http://www.bbacerts.co.uk

TruSeal Technologies Receives ISO 9001:2000 Certification

TruSeal Technologies, Inc., a leader in flexible spacer technology for insulating glass (IG), recently received ISO 9001:2000 certification for its Barbourville, Ky., manufacturing facility. The 9001:2000 certification is more advanced than the ISO 9002 standard received in 1999.

'Achieving ISO 9001:2000 certification is just one example of the many initiatives we take to ensure TruSeal products meet the highest quality standards in the industry,' says August J. 'Gus' Coppola, president and CEO of TruSeal. 'This continuous commitment to quality manufacturing assures our customers that they will receive consistently high-quality products year-round.'

ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) is a network of national standards institutes from 148 countries working in partnership with international organisations, governments, industry, business and consumer representatives.

The ISO 9001:2000 certification is the requirement standard used to assess a company's ability to meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements and thereby address customer satisfaction. This standard utilises five sections that define what a company should do consistently to provide products that meet customer and applicable statutory or regulatory requirements, including:
• Quality Management System
• Management Responsibility
• Resource Management
• Product Realisation
• Measurement, Analysis and Improvement

ISO 9001:2000 is now the only standard in the ISO 9000 family against which third-party certification can be carried. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., served as TruSeal's third-party registrar.

Web: http://www.truseal.com

Carl F Products Recognised by Police Design Licence

As part of an initiative to design against crime, The Association of Chief Police Officers for England, Wales and Northern Ireland has spearheaded a ‘Secured by Design’ (SBD) partnership campaign for police, industry and the public.

Carl F Petersen has announced that, as part of the Secured by Design scheme, the company has been accredited to display the SBD logo.

In material produced to support the programme, the police advise that anyone upgrading security or refurbishing premises should specify and fit products that meet SBD standards.

Tel: 01536 401155
Email: mailto:sales@carlf.co.uk
Web: http://www.carlf.co.uk

Quality Win for Winlock

A continuous improvement programme, aimed at ensuring Winlock Security Limited constantly employs the latest technology and manufacturing techniques, has been enhanced with the award to Winlock of the latest quality upgrade to BS. EN. ISO 9001 /2000.

Tony Higley, client manager of BSI visited Winlock's Telford factory to present the certificate to quality assurance manager, Andy Wherton.

Andy Wherton said: 'Providing our customers with products of high quality goes hand in hand with ensuring our manufacturing is efficient and bang up to date. This latest international quality assurance standard is a recognition of our ongoing efforts to produce quality products and good service.'

Tel: 01952 680178
Email: mailto:sales@winlock.uk.com

BBA Certificates

This month's What's New section of the BBA website features information on new Agrement certificates awarded to companies in the window industry.

New Certificates

William Davidson Announces 2003 Employee of the Year - Guardian Industries Corp. President Pays Surprise Tribute

In an unprecedented move, Guardian Industries President and CEO William Davidson announced that the 2003 Employee of the Year award will go to all Guardian employees.

Mr. Davidson made the announcement on Thursday, January 22nd at the conclusion of Guardian’s World Staff Meeting, held semi-annually, at the company’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Traditionally, the honour goes to an individual who has demonstrated a track record of success and growth. This year marks the first time the award has been given to more than one person.

'Guardian is only as good as our people,' said Mr. Davidson.'Without hard-working, dedicated employees, particularly those who produce, sell and deliver the products we make, we could not experience the success that has come to be our hallmark.

'We have excellent people in all areas who embrace and believe in what they do,' he continued. 'This award is a tribute to the 19,000 employees worldwide who help Guardian compete in the marketplace.'

Attendance at the January 2004 Guardian World Staff Meeting, held Tuesday, Jan. 20th through Friday, Jan. 23rd, also was a first. This year, each Guardian facility around the world selected two representatives, some from far away places like Thailand and Brazil, to attend the meeting, which is usually for executive managers only.

The representatives attended meetings and events throughout the week and are responsible for reporting back to fellow employees at their 'home' location on the content of the meetings, as well as their personal experiences during their visit. These representatives accepted the award from Mr. Davidson on behalf of all Guardian employees.

Guardian Industries Corp., based in Auburn Hills, Mich., is a leading worldwide manufacturer of float glass and fabricated glass products for the commercial and residential construction industries, and the world’s largest producer of mirrors.

Guardian Automotive provides complete exterior systems to the global automotive industry and is a Tier 1, top-100 global automotive supplier. Guardian’s Building Products Group includes one of the largest manufacturers of fiberglass in the world and occupies a significant position in the building materials distribution business.

Guardian, its subsidiaries and affiliates employ 19,000 people and operate facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

EYDP Project Success @ Newco Products, Stratford

Newco Products is a Newham Council organisation that consists of three workshops that employ a total of eighty (80) staff, forty four (44) of whom has disability or learning difficulty.

In preparation for the European Year of Disable Persons (EYDP), Marion Summers of Newco sought, and received, support from the CITB, GQA and Salisbury College for a project to introduce NVQs of their workshops.

Newco makes PVCu windows and doors, kitchen units and joinery products for the building and construction sectors. It holds the BS kite mark for its window products. The EYDP project was designed to introduce GQA and CGLI/CITB NVQs to the workshops.

At a ceremony attended by CITB, GQA and Salisbury College earlier this year, at Newco Products, Abbey Road, Stratford, Sir Robin Wales the Major of Newham presented GQA NVQ certificates to eleven (11) fabricators of PVCu windows and doors.

Salisbury College provided the assessment and internal verification competences necessary to introduce the GQA Production of Glass Supporting Fabrications NVQ.
During the presentation Sir Robin commented ‘Newco is a highly skilled manufacturing unit with an enviable reputation for quality and a strong history of supporting disabled people in employment.

‘The company has played an important part in European Year of Disabled People by opening up opportunities through National Vocational Qualifications. It deserves praise for its commitment to training its employees and maintaining the high standards demanded by its customers. I congratulate everyone concerned’.
Ted Fisher the Newco General Manager, who was also awarded an MBE in 2003 for work with disabled people, said ‘We manufacture quality products in a competitive market and we can only do this by having a skilled workforce.

‘As an NVQ centre, we can train all our staff, whether disabled or non-disabled, to achieve nationally recognised qualifications. Having such a qualification increases their self-esteem and allows those who want to, to seek mainstream employment on an even footing with other tradesmen and women’.

Newco was one of 171 projects nationwide nominated in January 2003 to receive European Commission and Government funding to mark European Year of Disabled People. It used that assistance to implement NVQs for various occupations so that disabled people can enhance their opportunities for progression into open employment.

Newco Products are continuing to work with GQA (and the CITB) to implement NVQs. They have also expressed an interest in other current GQA NVQs and the next generation that should come on stream in mid-2004.

CET Glass Processors Achieves EN1279 Part 3

CET Glass Processors has, over the last two years, been working to ensure it is well positioned to offer the benefits to customers from the introduction of EN1279.

After attaining EN1279 part 2 during 2002, the has also attained the new standard for gas concentration and leakage EN1279 part 3.

CET believes it is one of the first companies within the UK to achieve EN1279 part 3, which has stimulated interest from both current and potential customers.
This endorsement also complements the British Standard Kite Mark for toughened glass BS6206, held by the company since 1982.

Additionally the company also passed assessment for ISO9001 2000 and was granted certification during 2003.

‘The company believes it is now strongly positioned to benefit from the introduction of these new standards and more importantly, offer to customers quality products supported by certified standards, which they can order and install with assurance and confidence.’ said Steve Gardiner, managing director.

Web: http://www.cetglass.com

West Midland Glass Maker Chosen to Make Pieces for National Awards

Arts & Business, the national organisation that encourages and develops effective partnerships between business and the arts, recently announced that Waldegravesweet is creating the award pieces for its annual awards, to be presented on 18th February 2004 at a special gala concert including a performance by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jerry Goldsmith.

Waldegravesweet is a handmade glass company run by Tim Waldegrave and Samantha Sweet which produces the concentric range, designed by Tim in 2002.

Sam and Tim formed a partnership in 2003 as they share a common goal in wanting to make design led, quality products. They both have 10 years glassmaking experience and Sam recently completely an MA in Applied Arts at the Royal College of Art. In 2003 Sam and Tim were awarded a residency at The Studio attached to Broadfield House Glass Museum in the West Midlands where they produce their range of functional designs. They also make sculptural pieces, undertake restoration projects and work to commission.

Sam Sweet of Waldegravesweet comments:
'We are very pleased to be associated with such a prestigious award, and feel privileged to have been given this commission by Arts & Business. Arts & Business provides crucial links between artists and a wider audience - a service which is so important for the growth of companies like ours.'

Since 1978 the Arts & Business Awards have been the UK's premier Awards to reward business in excellence in partnerships with the arts, highlighting outstanding and creative examples of what happens when culture and commerce meet and inspire future cultural initiatives. Previous Award pieces include commissions from Debbie Noble, and ceramic artist Sophie Lowe, both at Contemporary Applied Arts.

Colin Tweedy, Chief Executive of Arts & Business, comments:
'The arts play a vital role in our society and successful partnerships between business and the arts deserve to be recognised and celebrated. The finalists for the Arts & Business Awards are great examples of business and the arts working together for mutual benefit, bringing better resources to the arts and success to business. These stunning award pieces by Waldgravesweet perfectly embody this, and make a lasting tribute to the winners.'

Web: http://www.aandb.org.uk

UK Fasteners Achieves ISO 9001: 2000

UK Fasteners has achieved certification to ISO 9001:2000. This Quality Management System (QMS) standard replaces the previous ISO 9002:1994 and places more focus on continuous improvement.

‘We already had a QMS in place to meet the previous standard,’ explains Richard Clark, Technical Manager of UK Fasteners. ‘So for us it was a case of updating our existing systems to highlight measurable objectives to be implemented and analysed on a regular basis, and to place more emphasis on continuous improvement. The new standard is good news for UK Fasteners because companies with this registration now have to commit to improving their business.

‘This means you have to offer a quality product and excellent service to get the new standard. Companies who don’t, won’t be awarded the ISO 9001:2000. Updating our systems to meet the new standard demonstrates our commitment to good quality management principles with the focus on the customer.’

Tel: 01242 577077

Inaugural Conservatory Installations of the Year Announced - Family Firm, National Chain and Overseas Specialist take Top Accolades

The conservatory website, conservatoriesonline.com, has announced the winners of its inaugural Conservatory Installation of the Year Awards.

The overall winner of Best Conservatory Installation 2003 was family firm West Yorkshire Windows for a PVCu ‘P-shaped’ Victorian-style conservatory built with a wood-grain finish that was carefully selected to match the property’s existing windows. The attention to detail, standard of work, plus the beautifully-landscaped garden, made for a winning installation.

Best Large Conservatory Installation went to Anglian Home Improvements. The company built a 32ft ‘L-shaped’ extension on the back of a bed-and-breakfast in Maidstone, giving the owners and their guests a vast and stylish new living area.

A US company that aims to recreate ‘the distinctive elegance and rich detail of the classic 19th century glasshouse’ picked up the title for Best International Installation (non-UK). Tanglewood Conservatories built a stunning garden room passageway, featuring an indoor fountain and bevelled glass transom windows, between the customer’s main house and a new addition.

http://www.conservatoriesonline.com, gives potential buyers information on things they need to know about every aspect of conservatories and the company says it is consistently highly rated on all the major search engines.

Barry Dunlop, managing director of site owner eBuilders, said: ‘We are proud to provide first-rate, expert information on all aspects of conservatories. Similarly we aim to encourage excellence in suppliers and these awards are designed to acknowledge the achievements of those companies that have demonstrated high-quality and first-class standards in meeting particular challenges during 2003.

Suppliers who would like to advertise on the site or take advantage of a free listing should email mailto:barry@ebuilders.co.uk. Submissions for the monthly ‘Featured Conservatory Installations’, from which the annual winners are chosen, are also invited – check out the website (http://www.conservatoriesonline.com/featured_installations_2003.htm) for details.

New Quality Standard Awarded to Listers

Lister Trade Frames (Stoke on Trent) has achieved the latest quality award from the British Standards Institute BS EN ISO 9001 2000.

Listers says it has always been recognised for the quality of the company's manufactured Windows, Doors and Conservatories but that this new standard goes far beyond just the product. 'Quality is not just about the products we sell but about every aspect of our jobs. Listers focus on quality means working to the very highest of standards and constantly looking for ways to improve every process and transaction' says Andrew Pusey, Quality Manager. 'Everyone at Listers now has two jobs - the job, and improving the job!'

'Although Listers is the only Trade Window Company in Staffordshire to hold the BBA, British Standards, Secured by Design, Investors in People and now the BS EN ISO 9001 awards, we are by no means complacent. We are committed to constant improvement to meet and surpass our customer's needs.' adds Andrew.

Tel: 01782 205605
Web: http://www.listertf.co.uk

Picture: Listers Quality Manager Andrew Pusey & Operations Manager Steve Robinson with the Latest Quality Award from BSI

Alcoa and Greening Australia Partnerships Wins Prime Minister's Excellence Award

A 21-year-long partnership between Alcoa World Alumina Australia and Greening Australia is the National Winner of a Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships.

The Award winners were announced at a special evening in Sydney recently. Alcoa Managing Director Wayne Osborn and Greening Australia Limited CEO Carl Binning said they were delighted to receive recognition in the longevity category as the partnership had delivered long-term benefits for the community and environment, particularly in Victoria and Western Australia.

'Through this partnership, our two organisations have shared ideas, challenges and staff. We've learnt from each other and our programmes have had a measurable effect - in environmental, economic and social outcomes,' Mr Osborn said.

Mr Binning said Greening Australia was proud of its record of working with the business community to deliver practical solutions to complex environmental problems.

'Alcoa has made an unprecedented contribution to rural and regional Australia through their support of Greening Australia and the Landcare movement. It's imperative that we partner with the business sector, government and community to address the extensive environmental issues we face in Australia,' he said.

The partnership has contributed in a practical way to repair the Australian landscape by;

* Planting of over 10 million trees - Providing practical tools for environmental restoration and operating for 12 years, the Alcoa Revegetation Assistance scheme in Victoria gives farmers and Landcare groups access to specialist machinery and equipment. More than 700 Alcoa Landcare sites have been established and thousands of hectares of degraded land treated.

* Extensive and ongoing environmental education - Grow Us A Home was introduced in 1992 in recognition of the changing urban landscape in the Perth metropolitan and Peel regions. The decade long programme is estimated to have raised the level of environmental awareness of over 40,000 people through the involvement of teachers, parents and students.

* Improving seed supply - The Alcoa Portland seedbank collects and houses seeds from indigenous plants for use in revegetation projects, providing the right seed for the right sites;

* Practical knowledge transfer - a range of practical publications and resources has been produced for landholders, rural and urban audiences

The partnership began in 1982 - the International Year of the Tree and first year of operation for Greening Australia.

'Alcoa was only 19 years old when we began to work together,' said Mr Osborn.
'In the ensuing 21 years, we have seen Greening Australia grow from small beginnings to become a vibrant community partner and agent for environmental change across Australia. We've also grown and, this year, Alcoa is celebrating 40 years in Australia.'

'Our partnership with Alcoa is enduring, changing to suit today's needs and is a fine example of how collaboration could result in excellent outcomes for all,' concluded Mr Binning.

The Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships 2003 are run at the state and territory level and divided into three categories: Small, medium and large business.

Two additional special awards will be made this year - one for a partnership that has had an impact on the community and the other for longevity to a partnership that has been operating for more than five years. Greening Australia and Alcoa are joint National Finalists in the Longevity category.

The Award winners were recently announced at a special evening hosted by the Prime Minister in Sydney.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com

Peter Layton Receives Honorary Graduates

Leading studio glass artist and producer Peter Layton was amongst leading figures from the worlds of arts, fundraising and film to receive Honorary Graduates from the University of Bradford recently.

Head of Art, Design and Textiles at Bradford College Simon Thorpe gave Mr Layton's oration.

He said: 'Peter Layton has become a leading figure in the world of glassblowing. His work, both within a private and public context, is outstanding.'

Peter Layton was born in Prague (formerly part of Czechoslovakia) and educated at Belle Vue Grammar School in Bradford before studying at Bradford College of Art for two years from 1960. While there he formed a friendship with artist David Hockney.

He studied ceramics at the Central School of Art and Design in London and went from there to teach at the Universities of Iowa and California in the US.

Mr Layton founded the glass department at Middlesex University and established the London Glassblowing Workshop beside the Thames at Rotherhithe in 1976.

He is a founder member and former Chair of British Artists in Glass and a founder and Chair of the Contemporary Glass Society.

In 1996 Mr Layton wrote the definitive book on contemporary studio glass - Glass Art - the year after moving his London Glassblowing Workshop to the Leather Market near London Bridge.

His collections have been exhibited widely internationally and he has work in major public collections in museums including the Victoria and Albert in London, the International Glass Museum in Denmark and the National Museum in the Czech Republic.

He has an experimental approach to glassblowing and each piece produced at his London workshop is unique. Major ambitious commissions have included spectacular works on some of the world's finest cruise ships.

Neil Peck wins Hunts Post ‘Business Person of the Year’

Phoenix Door Panels Managing Director, Neil Peck walked away with the prestigious ‘Business Person Of The Year’ award at the recent Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards.

From a record number of entries, judges were charged with the task of finding the person who had made an outstanding contribution to their organisation and found it in 34 year old Neil Peck, owner and Managing Director of Somersham based Pheonix Door Panels.

Judges were impressed with Neil’s infectious enthusiasm and his excellent knowledge and understanding of all aspects of his business. His ‘hands-on’ style stimulates commitment from staff and they described his vision and business acumen as ‘inspirational’ in a tough market.

Presented with the award at a gala dinner hosted by BBC Look East presenter Stewart White, Neil commented ‘This is a great achievement for everyone associated with Phoenix’.

Neil founded the company over ten years ago as a distributor of door panels and began manufacturing his own products just six years ago when faced with a sharp price increase by his supplier. The company’s growth has been rapid and Phoenix now produces in excess of 8l00 door panels each week and this year began exporting into Europe. Two years ago the company started manufacturing K2 conservatory roof systems and is due to launch a new composite door product range shortly. Phoenix Door Panels operate from purpose built 30,000 sq ft premises in Somersham, near Huntingdon and enjoy an enviable reputation for quality and reliable service.

November also saw Phoenix appointed a ‘Key Dealer’ by its conservatory roof system supplier K2. The conservatory roof division currently fabricates 30 roof kits per week and the company is currently running a special promotion for all new customers.

Phoenix has recently relaunched its web site which includes full details of the company’s product range. Visitors to the site at http://www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk can view a selection from the company’s door panel range and download a complete copy of the company’s price list and technical specification.

Tel: 01487 740469

Indigo Products Gains Kitemark Accreditation

Midlands based trade fabricator Indigo Products Ltd has successfully completed the transition from ISO 9002-1994 to BS EN ISO 9001-2000.

This British Standard Kitemark specifically relates to the quality of the management systems within the company. Indigo customers can be assured of the highest standards of internal management systems from order processing and quality control to customer care and after sales service.

The company also holds BS7142; the British Standard Kitemark that applies to its finished products.

Sales and Marketing Director Danny Hague commented, ‘Together these two kitemarks assure Indigo Products customers of the highest levels of internal controls and top quality products properly manufactured to British standards.’

Tel: 01922 743202
Email: mailto:sales@indigo products.com

Full House of Approvals

Nico Manufacturing, UK manufacturer of window products, has recently achieved ISO 9001: 2000 for its design and manufacturing systems and BBA approval for its full product range, which includes friction hinges and other fittings, such as espagnolette bolts.

It has also been accredited as a Secured by Design supplier for its selection of products with added security features, such as shoot bolts and security friction hinges.

The approvals have followed an intensive period of research and development and an exhausting testing programme.

‘Products have been enhanced with new patented features to improve installation, performance and durability, and the complete range of window products fully re-tested under BBA Assessment. This assures that Nico products are more than ‘fit for purpose’ – meeting every relevant BS test for endurance, resistance to fatigue and corrosion, suitability of materials and resistance to intrusion. So, whether for restricted opening, egress provision or security protection, Nico hinges and fittings are guaranteed to perform.’ Says the company.

Nico’s specialist security product range, which includes security friction hinges – in standard or austenitic stainless steel – Speedbolt™ shoot bolt and Xtra Bolt™ security device, has also been accredited under the Secured by Design scheme.
Secured by Design is a design-against-crime initiative adopted by police forces throughout the UK that accredits companies with products that can significantly reduce risk of crime.

Technical support and advice
Nico Manufacturing offers specifiers, installers and fabricators in-depth technical support and advice. All Nico products have been designed in consultation with the industry for ease of installation and long-life operational performance. Nico’s field and office sales team provides the product support – always pleased to advise on selection and installation and any specialist fittings or finishes.

Contact: Graham Pateman
Tel: 01255 422333
Email: mailto:sales@nico.co.uk
Web: http://www,nico.co.uk

The American Institute of Architects Announces Continuing Education Award for Excellence Recipients

The American Institute of Architects recently named Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering, P.C. (EYP) and the Building Solutions division of CertainTeed Corporation as recipients of its national continuing education Award for Excellence in Education. Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering, P.C., with offices in Washington, DC, Boston, Albany and New York City, was given the award for the large firm category and CertainTeed Corporation, a Valley Forge, Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of building products, received the Commercial Stakeholder provider award.

Established six years ago, the annual Award for Excellence in Education recognises continuing education providers to architectural and engineering firms and their commitment to an overall system of developing high quality continuing education programmes. Recipients will accept a trophy at the 2004 AIA Grassroots Leadership and Legislative Conference in March in Washington, DC.

‘We are honoured that the AIA has given us this prestigious award for our on-line education programmes for architects,’ says Judi Ann Moore, CertainTeed Corporation. ‘To win for the third time is truly humbling and validates our commitment to providing architects with cutting edge education.’

Like the AIA, EYP recognises the integral role that education plays in achieving excellence. EYP University provides and supports educational resources, training, and life-long learning activities for all of the firm’s employees. The programme combines internal resources with outside expertise in a curriculum aligned with EYP's mission. The goal is to create an environment where staff can achieve their full potential and expand the high quality client services that has become EYP's trademark.

According to EYP University Dean Karol Kaiser, ‘We are thrilled to be the recipient of this prestigious award, and we are proud to be able to provide valuable training services to all of our employees.’ CEO Cahal Stephens adds, ‘This award represents EYP’s deep commitment to sharing knowledge and educating our employees for their own personal growth and development and for the betterment for our clients.’

According to the AIA, the recipients demonstrated excellence in all phases of the criteria, including:

1. ‘Commitment and support’ examines the firm’s leadership, support, and commitment to education.
2. ‘Planning and analysis’ examines the organisation’s structure for analysing educational needs and professional development of the architect.
3. ‘Design and implementation’ reviews the programme, learning objectives, design, and delivery methods.
4. ‘Resources and records’ examines human resources and the record keeping process.
5. ‘Evaluation and improvement’ examines the evaluation and improvement process of the education activities.
6. ‘Continuing education services, provider specific’ is the area in which judges examine the organisation’s community outreach through educational programmes and services.

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