Clearview National April 2015 - Issue 161 | Page 8

INDUSTRYNEWS I’m an installer get VAT out of here Insight into government plans »»Distinction Doors’ Finance Director,Vickie Brown, was recently invited to hear Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne speak at an Institute of Directors forum.Vickie explains, “I am on the Institute of Directors’ committee for the South Yorkshire region. It’s a great way to make sure that Distinction Doors has a good strategic insight in the region, not least because it gives us access to events like this one.” David Cameron and George Osborne spoke for around 45 minutes, outlining their plans for the north of England generally and Yorkshire in particular.Vickie comments, “It was very interesting to hear what they had to say. Amongst other things we learned that the intention is to invest £6.4 billion in road and rail links in the region and build 20,000 new homes in Wakefield and York. We also discussed extensions of the free trade agreements that are currently being looked at for China and India.” Distinction Doors is the UK’s biggest composite door supplier and a significant name in UK industry: it was recently included in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 and the top ten SME businesses in the Sheffield City Region. Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [email protected] 8 » A P R 2015 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M »»The influential Consumer Protection Association (CPA) will be welcoming Nadine Dorries MP, star of ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’, to its offices in February to discuss issues affecting the industry. CPA Director Jeremy Brett says that one of the topics they will be talking about is the organisation’s long-running campaign to abolish VAT on Home Improvement Products. The CPA recently took their campaign to remove VAT on home improvement products to Westminster, with Jeremy saying, “The economy has been jump started through building and construction but what about the home improvement market? “If you knock down a house and start again you don’t pay VAT but if you want to improve your home, you do. This makes no sense. How is this good for the environment and how does it work alongside Government’s drive to improve the UK’s housing stock? “Getting rid of VAT on home improvement products would be a massive boost for the industry, since many homeowners will finally be able to afford window and door replacements.” The CPA also says that the removal of VAT on home improvement products would also help to eradicate the black market. Continuing Success Well Assured »»Tony Poole, Business Development Executive for Roof Assured by Sarnafil is celebrating a record 2014 with sales for his area, covering Southern England, showing a 35% increase on the previous year. Roof Assured by Sarnafil, the domestic division of the global Sika Sarnafil brand has reported steady growth since its inception in 1993 and predicts an ongoing increase in sales in 2015. Tony attributes his success to having a great product with the Sarnafil single ply membrane, great installer training, the combined expertise of the Sika Field Technicians and the registered installer network. Tony explains: “The last couple of years have seen many homeowners deciding to stay in their current homes, and we’ve seen a rise in the number of flat roof extensi