Clearview Midlands April 2014 - Issue 149 | Page 16

INDUSTRYNEWS TO FABRICATE OR NOT TO FABRICATE – THINK ABOUT IT, SAYS GLAZERITE Wirral-based Hardmans Double Glazing Limited had been manufacturing VEKA for almost as long as VEKA has been in the UK and, according to Director Mark Harman, will probably always use the system. But now, like a growing number of similar companies around the UK, the company buys i n from Glazerite Windows and Mark says their only regret is not doing it sooner: “When the recession hit, it became much harder to justify making our own windows. We didn’t really want to stop because we knew we made a good window. Now we are not only very happy with the quality of Glazerite’s windows but we also have a great support package and additional guarantees on such things as units and locks, not to mention the Kitemark, Secured by Design and CE Marking on everything, ensuring we meet all of the new legislation now required to install windows and doors. “Jason Thompson, Glazerite Director, says they are happy to talk to any other company: “We can help companies to make an informed decision and support them afterwards.” SCHUECO AVANTEC ARE SIMPLYSMART New from the Schueco UK Ltd is AvanTec SimplySmart, a comprehensive range of concealed fittings for all types of Schueco aluminium inward opening windows – tilt/ turn, side-hung and bottom-hung. Developed with the needs of the fabricator in mind, the range successfully combines contemporary design with functionality in use and includes a world first: a fully concealed fitting which allows a window to open a full 180o (previously, 90o was the maximum possible angle of opening). Another benefit is that Schueco AvanTec SimplySmart fittings deliver high corrosion resistance right across the range, with core parts protected to Grade 5 EN 1670, making them suitable for use outdoors in exceptionally severe conditions. But for fabricators, perhaps the key advantage of the new Schueco AvanTec range is that the actual installation process has been made as fast and as intuitive as possible. Finally, the range includes a number of ancillary products that have been designed to improve safety. These include opening limiters, stays and turn locks. Schueco AvanTec SimplySmart fittings have already won a 2014 IF Product Design Award. e-mail [email protected] Van users to be hit by unrest in Ukraine The continuing unrest in the Crimea soon led to warnings of higher fuel prices. “Firms should not be surprised when pump prices rise,” said Steve Clarke, marketing manager for The Fuel Card Group, “because oil is such a sensitive, volatile market. We saw price hikes of varying duration following the invasion of Kuwait, when Hurricane Ike hit Texas and after Chavez died in Venezuela. Anything upsetting the status quo in an oil-producing region, even a simple currency fluctuation, will impact prices.” But Steve advised van users not to panic. “Fuel prices occasionally fall for a while, but the historical trend is always upwards. The 16 APR 2014 only sensible action is to ensure that you are always paying as little as possible for fuel in the first place.” Following a brief period of lower forecourt prices at the beginning of 2014, they were already rising again before Russian troops were seen on Ukraine streets. Steve added: “Nobody running commercial vehicles should ever be paying anywhere near pump prices, when having the right fuel card would mean a saving of up to 4p per litre.” ‘the right fuel card would mean saving up to 4p per litre’ To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com