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Prime Windows Receives Radio and Internet Boost

Effective use of the radio and internet are just two of the ways Conservatory Outlet helps members target homeowners. Nationally 63% of adults listen to commercial radio and 48.2% have access to the Internet. Conservatory Outlet offers ambitious and likeminded small and medium conservatory installation companies the opportunity to join a team of growth focused companies nationwide. As part of a complete support package Conservatory Outlet pays for marketing to help dealers increase sales.

Sheffield-based Prime Windows received 28 enquiries the first month the company used radio and internet advertising. ‘We were delighted with the success of the radio and internet advertising because it is not something we'd thought about before,’ explains Jonathan Toft, Prime Windows' Managing Director. ‘Not only did we reach our target audience but homeowners associated us with the Conservatory Outlet brand that is well known for quality. This is just one of the benefits for Conservatory Outlet dealers, and I know we will continue to profit from the marketing support we receive from being a member.’

Tel: 08700 802380

Martindales Finishes Third in Uniroyal Fun Cup

The roofline stockist, GAP, has a philosophy to work hard and play hard. So when customer Phil Martindale asked GAP to part-sponsor his entry in the endurance motor racing series Uniroyal Fun Cup, it agreed.

Phil, Managing Director of Martindales Ltd, has been a GAP customer for ten years. ‘We provide repairs and replacement double glazing to insurance company clients after break-ins and accidents,’ explains Phil. ‘Service has to be our number one priority as some of our customers can be distressed.

‘Our suppliers have to work hard to keep delivery times to a minimum so we can provide a quick turnaround in difficult circumstances. GAP meets these demands every time.

When we decided to do the Uniroyal Fun Cup, we wanted to promote our suppliers too. The season has been great. We finished second in the final race and third overall in the season. Not bad as we missed one race completely - my co-pilot was getting married!’

Tel: 01254 682888 (GAP)

Pilkington Activ™ Speeds Ahead

When Steve Simpson of Tudor Glass in Bury takes a break from his day job, he is still surrounded by reminders of the Pilkington product range he works with on a daily basis.

A keen and successful amateur rally driver, Steve's car is now emblazoned with the logo of Pilkington Activ™, the world's first self-cleaning glass. The car is a Hyundai Accent and the distinctive Pilkington logo adorns the sides and bonnet of the vehicle.

Steve and his team-mate Mark Booth have been successful in their rallying, winning the prestigious North West Stages in 2005, a motor sport event held in conjunction with the Marie Curie Cancer Care Centres. Steve and his car were recently on show in Blackpool, where dignitaries including the Mayor of Blackpool took part in a photoshoot to celebrate his Stage win. In the recent Tour of Epynt in Wales, Steve came an impressive fifth.

‘Having worked with Pilkington glass since I launched Tudor Glass 21 years ago, it was an obvious choice to use the company’s logo and advertise its product,’ comments Steve. ‘I work with Pilkington glass professionally. The launch of Pilkington Activ™ and Activ Blue™, has added a new product to the range and I already have used it for a number of applications. It seems only natural that the Pilkington logos on the side and front of the car represent the driving force behind the wheel!’

A Green Dream

The importance of an issue can be gauged by the amount of air-time it receives. Concern for the environment is continuing to rise and with it, so is the number of TV programmes showing how best to be eco-friendly. Aluminium Roofline Products is appearing in one such show - 'The House That Dick Built'.

The programme challenges Dick Strawbridge, TV presenter and winner of Scrapheap Challenge, to turn a derelict listed farmhouse without electricity or plumbing into a comfortable home with all mod cons. Not a straightforward job even using modern engineering and construction methods. But the challenge was made more 'interesting' when the BBC told him he had to create a sustainable lifestyle while making the house as eco-friendly as possible.

Dick explains: ‘One of our first needs was for power. So we constructed a waterwheel and hooked it up to a generator. Obviously this isn't something that everyone who wants to create an eco-friendly home can do. But other jobs we carried out can be replicated across the country. For instance, when we came to restore the guttering we looked at replacing it with original cast iron, but recycled aluminium coincided with our aim much better. I researched suppliers and decided to go with Aluminium Roofline Products because they were frequently recommended. John Hemphill came down from ARP and stayed with us to help install it. It only took us two days to install over 60 metres of guttering and aside from the guaranteed longevity and the high recycled content we are really pleased with the aesthetics, it perfectly picture frames the house.’

Tel: 0116 2894400
Web: http://www.arp-ltd.com

'The House That Dick Built' can be seen on BBC 2 in the spring.

New Lorries to Follow in Safe Style

Britain's ever growing lorry-spotting cult has a new challenge this month with a unique set of liveries to watch out for. This follows the introduction by the Yorkshire-based Style Group of a fleet of six new articulated vehicles worth almost £1/2 million with exceptionally lively and easily recognisable star-studded livery.

The Style Group is an independent manufacturer, supplier and retailer of PVCu replacement windows and doors and this month has introduced a further six new articulated lorries to its countrywide transport fleet. The vehicles have 40ft trailers which will distribute more than 6000 windows and doors a week to the 12 Style Group depots across the United Kingdom.

Ready for the road - Style Group's Chief Executive John Ross (right) and Transport Manager Steve Moxon (left) check out the latest £1/2m eye-catching additions to their transport fleet.

The company says that the new fleet will be one of the most easily recognisable on Britain's extensive road network with distinctive liveries throwing out a new and interesting challenge to passing motorists and pedestrians alike. The sides of the trailers will feature a long, flowing message including the company's famous retail ‘Safe Style UK’ logo and freephone number. These lead gracefully along to fun-packed rear door areas which will have a series of six different designs and messages strongly featuring the leading stars of stage and screen renowned for their roles in the company's television and radio campaigns.

The stars include top-rated comedy duo fresh from the ‘I'm A Celebrity’ jungle, Cannon and Ball, former Coronation Street personality, Ken Morley and assisting them will be the Style Group's own Geoff Brown and self-built canvass coordinator-cum-TV personality, Bonny Brough.

John Ross, Chief Executive of the Style Group, explained: ‘The new addition to our already extensive fleet will give the Group bigger and better distribution of our market-leading products and, of course, increase our overall efficiency. Most importantly they will be a strong and memorable addition to our high profile marketing campaigns. The rear door areas will be most eye-catching by featuring the stars of our every-day award-winning advertising. Cannon and Ball get two designs with their popular television message ‘Pick up the Pigging phone’ but with the equally strong and safety conscious line: ‘But NOT while you're driving’! Ken Morley also gets two with Geoff Brown and Tommy Cannon with our own, Bonny Brough all portrayed with different ‘Bogoff’ messages.

‘In today's world of increasing grid lock, the new vehicles have not only been designed to create interest but also remind our customers of the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving. They will also provide the lorry spotting brigade with something completely new to look out for in 2006!’

Swish Installer Saves the Day

Approved Swish Installer Barry Gwinnett Building & Joinery Services has made good a botched roofline installation that featured on the BBC1 consumer watchdog programme Rogue Traders.

Barry Gwinnett describes what he discovered when he visited the Wigan bungalow where the cowboy traders were secretly filmed. 'They had removed the guttering from the property then covered the existing rotten timber fascias with capping boards.

'Then instead of removing the bottom row of tiles from the roof, they had nailed a strip of felt across the top of the board before fixing it in place, to make it look like the roof felt had been renewed. By the time we visited to survey the job, the felt was flapping around and some had completely blown off.'

The only course of action was for Barry and his team of fitters to completely re-do the roofline. 'We took off the tiles and removed the cement that filled the gap between them and the eaves beam. After making good the roof felt, we installed Swish Over Fascia Ventilators with birdcombs and replaced the rotten timbers withnew 25mm Bullnose Jumbo fascia boards, before replacing the guttering with new white ogee.

'At last the homeowner has what she originally wanted - a smart, new roofline that will keep its good looks with minimal effort. It's just such a pity that she had to be subjected to these rogues in the first place,' concludes Barry.

The BBC, Swish Building Products, Barry's supplier GAP and Barry himself contributed to the cost of putting the job right for the homeowner.

The Swish Building Products Approved Installers scheme is designed to give consumers confidence in the workmen they employ and the quality of the products used. By joining the scheme, roofline installation companies, such as Barry Gwinnett's, can show that they maintain high standards of workmanship and that they meet Swish's criteria for the administration of day-to-day contact with customers. All members of the scheme carry certificates of registration.

Tel: 01827 317200
Web: http://www.swishbp.co.uk

More and More Talk Tactix

Business Tactix Ltd to be precise, as the marketing consultancy that has just celebrated its second birthday, continues to develop a loyal client base in the window industry.

The brainchild of marketing specialist, Damian Battle, ex Caradon Doors and Windows (Duraflex, Celuform, GB Wendland) and Latium Group (Wendland), Tactix has won significant recognition over the last two years working for systems companies such as Profile 22, HIS Systems as well as Epwin Group and Trade Lynks.

‘The initial strategy was to offer a truly flexible resource for major players who either had great ideas but not enough time to make them happen or had the resource but had run out of ideas!’ comments Damian.

‘As the market has got tougher we've seen demand increase for resource to work at the coal face helping fabricators and installers get the basics right. Clients such as Britannia Windows in the South West have shown us there are exciting opportunities out there if you're prepared to get your hands dirty and get stuck in.

‘The old fashioned consultant who advised you on your strategy, spoke a foreign business language and then just left you to make it happen is not what the industry wants. We've made a difference by helping sort out the strategy then getting stuck in, implementing simple no nonsense, cost effective plans. Fabricators and installers alike get the quality marketing support they need at a fraction of the cost of employing someone.’

Tel: 07971 827640
Email: damian@businesstactix.co.uk
Web: http://www.businesstactix.co.uk

Enhanced Marketing Support from Radiance™ Glass

Radiance™ Glass has been quick to develop a number of new and enhanced marketing support materials to aid installers in the selling process.

A new consumer brochure and a showroom poster have been produced which communicate the benefits of Radiance™ Glass and in particular, Radiance™ Activ which incorporates Pilkington Activ™ Blue within the unit.

Bob Lilley, managing director explains: ‘the new marketing materials have been very well received by our existing customers and they are already beginning to benefit from increased sales. We have a truly great product and we can now back this up with a range of great support materials.’

The new support materials also include a number of 'fast facts', which have been included to help installers and homeowners understand the key features and benefits of Radiance™ Glass without the need for detailed technical information.

For further information on Radiance™ Glass or to receive your free copy of the brochure contact Radiance™ Glass on 01373 464051 or e-mail: info@radianceglass.co.uk.

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