Clearview Midlands June 2014 - Issue 151 | Page 20

INDUSTRYNEWS PRIME MINISTER SHOWN WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY AT LINIAR Friday 9th May saw Prime Minister David Cameron take time out from his busy schedule to pay a visit to HL Plastics’ headquarters in Derbyshire, home of the Liniar br and. Mr Cameron spent the afternoon meeting workers at the state of the art factory and taking part in PM Direct, a question and answer session with 150 of the growing workforce. No questions were off-limits for the 40 minute session, which followed a private meeting with Roger Hartshorn and his team and a full tour of the factory, warehouse and mixing plant. Also present were local MP Nigel Mills and Councillor Stuart Bradford from the Amber Valley district where HL is based. During the factory tour, Hartshorn explained the PVCu extrusion process, from tool room to dispatch, with the PM keen to find out more about the high thermally efficient properties of the Liniar window profile and how it was made. The Prime Minister thanked employees for the continued growth of the business, contributing to the local economy and flying the flag for UK manufacturing businesses. www.liniar.co.uk GGF welcomes IBG regulatory changes The GGFi has welcomed the regulatory changes that will ensure the provision of an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) on all domestic glazing installations from 6 June 2014. The glazing insurance specialist of the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) says it believes this approach offers advanced consumer protection within an industry that is says is “still vulnerable to the threat of the cowboy builder.” GGFi General Manager, Lee Appleton, sees mandatory provision of IBGs as another way for hard-working, honourable installers to distinguish themselves: “In times of financial instability purchases such as double-glazing or conservatories are tough decisions for homeowners and they want reassurance that their home is protected for the duration of the guarantee - even if their installer ceases trading. “By providing an IBG to cover each installation, GGFi members offer their customers peace-of-mind whatever happens. “A guarantee without an IBG will not offer the consumer the type of robust protection they have learned to expect; however, inclusion of an IBG favours installers operating within the regulations.” From 6 June 2014 all installation companies operating within a Competent Person Scheme (such as FENSA) will be required to provide an IBG with every installation they register. [email protected] or call 0870 850 8281. Sign Up Ideas From Whiteline Fabricator Whiteline has built a deserved reputation for innovation and improvement in its product, marketing and customer initiatives over the years. The company has focused on providing its growing list of installer customers with the range, quality and back up services that allow it to sell successfully in their local areas. The SlimSASH profile is a proven best seller , but Whiteline made a major product introduction two years ago when it spotted a great new opportunity in the market. FlushSASH combines the traditional looks of timber with the benefits of PVCu and has become 20 JUN 2014 a successful addition to installer’s ranges and despite imitations, it remains the only 70mm FlushSASH window and door system on the market. Now the company is gearing up for another innovative product launch as Operations Director Peter Hand explains. “Put simply, we’ve had another bright idea out that we’ll be introducing to the market at the FIT Show on the Liniar stand - it will be well worth a visit!” Check the new website, www.whiteline. co.uk/brightideas , where you can sign up and register your interest. ‘another bright idea’ www.whiteline.co.uk, 01323 723724, www.PlatinumNRG.co.uk To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com