Clearview National April 2016 - Issue 173 | Page 142

INSTALLERSUPPORT 76% of installers want their name on window energy labels »»FREE FENSA WINDOW and Doorset Energy Ratings were launched on January 1st. Already hundreds have asked to Opt In. But what is driving this surge in interest? FENSA surveyed the installers that emailed in January to ask them why they were so interested. 76% stated it was because they wanted to sell FENSA rated energy efficient windows displaying labels that will have their company name on. Only 63% stated they were Opting In to FENSA Window and Doorset Energy Ratings because they are free. “FENSA knew that its Window and Doorset Energy Ratings would be popular,” commented FENSA Managing Director, Chris Mayne. “But we have been taken aback by just how much demand there is. In 2015, 53% of notifications were using energy ratings to comply with Building Regulations. I think we can safely predict that this will rise dramatically by the end of 2016.” FENSA Window and Doorset Energy Ratings are free for FENSA certified installers. It is totally voluntary. All they have to do is Opt In, agree to the rules and be supplied by a BFRC licensed fabricator. These new Window and Door Energy Ratings are operated and independently verified by BFRC. It is exactly the same as the existing BFRC scheme in terms of ratings, ratings bands, license scopes and windows and doors covered. Labels provided will cover windows and doors rated ‘A++’ to ‘G’. The only difference is these new labels are branded FENSA and will have their own marketing support. These ratings will be marketed heavily at consumers in the second half of 2016 to raise awareness and drive consumer demand. Existing BFRC Authorised Retailers can quickly and easily switch to be a FENSA Authorised Installer – by Opting In by emailing BFRC. The benefits for installers are: • an easier sell because homeowners understand and recognise energy efficiency labels; • installers get their own labels; • it is the easiest route to Part L compliance; • a listing on BFRC website (the first port of call for homeowners searching for energy efficient product); • consumer publicity support & recognition; • installers can source glass & frames separately; • opportunities to upsell; • technical & marketing support and advice. [email protected] 24/7 ORDERING THANKS TO ONLINE INNOVATION »»ONE-STOP SHOP TRADE fabricator, Astraseal, has brought in a quick and easy online ordering system, set to revolutionise the way its customers buy. Astraseal installers are now able to place orders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week thanks to Window Designer, the cloud-based system from industry software experts First Degree. With just an internet-enabled computer, customers can get instant quotes, make purchases and check the status of live orders in real-time. “At Astraseal, our philosophy has always been prosper by helping installers prosper,” said marketing manager Zac Nedimovic. “We constantly strive to expand the support package we offer our installers. Online ordering was the natural next step. For the installer, it’s the ultimate in convenience, it takes minutes to set up, and once you’ve got your login, you can make orders whenever you like. That helps you streamline your work flow and, potentially, quicker lead times, a crucial edge when it comes to winning new business.” “All that said, we want to emphasise that you don’t have to use online ordering to buy from us. We know many of our customers like the existing 142 » APR 2016 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M ordering method and we continue to plan offering that for many years to come. As ever at Astraseal, it’s not about forcing customers down a particular route, it’s just about maximising choice.” It’s that same commitment to choice that’s seen Astraseal develop one of the industry’s most extensive product ranges, a selection that’s about to expand further as the Company adds Eurocell to its previously REHAU-only PVCu range. “Eurocell has an excellent reputation among installers and allows us to provide quality products at a slightly different price point,” Zac explains. “We’re now offering Eurocell’s innovative Modus system, its Eurologik 70mm system and Aspect bi-folds, as well as the Skypod skylight system.” As well as Eurocell, Astraseal also offer a comprehensive range of other products, which includes the full range of REHAU windows and doors, Synseal inline sliders and vertical sliders, and Global conservatory roofs. On the aluminium front, the Company provides windows, doors, curtain walling and shop fronts using the Smarts and Reynaers profi