Clearview South Mar 2013 - Issue 136 | Page 34

INDUSTRYNEWS A ‘Day in the Life’ of Innovation Saint-Gobain Group company GLASSOLUTIONS is bringing its proven low-energy glazing systems for residential newbuild and refurb to Ecobuild 2013, along with eco-innovations for education and office buildings as part of the Group’s ‘day in the life experience’ (stand N310). Building on the success of last year’s show, at which the company launched its Solaglas to GLASSOLUTIONS rebrand, the company will show how its triple glazed sealed units featuring SGG PLANITHERM One deliver windows that are ideal for newbuild to Passivhaus standards. In addition to excellent thermal insulation with whole window U-values as low as 0.8W/m2K and no cold bridging at the edges, the neutrality of the glass is exceptional to ensure clarity of vision and the appearance of double glazing. The GLASSSOLUTIONS stand will also feature a display showing how a typical upgraded solid wall terraced house can accommodate GLASSOLUTIONS sealed units to achieve A+ rated windows. The ‘day in the life’ experience will show how products and systems from the Group’s UK businesses - including GLASSOLUTIONS – can be found across a wide range of construction types and sectors in everyday life. www.glassolutions.co.uk Coalition’s tax system worse, says FPB study Most small businesses in the UK have taken a dim view of changes made to the tax system by the current government, according to research by the Forum of Private Business (FMB). FMB polled its members to record attitudes on coalitionimplemented tax changes as it reaches the mid-point of its five-year term of office. Overall, the changes were seen to be negative in terms of resolving issues around fairness, simplicity, efficiency, stability and certainty in the tax system. In total 28% of business owners said they thought the fairness of the tax system had deteriorated, compared to 17% reporting an improvement. A quarter thought it had become more complex, opposed to 14% saying it has simplified. And dealing a blow to HMRC, 26% said the efficiency of the tax system had got worse. This latter point raises concerns about how HMRC will cope with Real Time Information (RTI) when it comes into being in April. The research also showed the single biggest complaint small firms had regarding their current tax spending was business rates. A huge 94% of all business owners felt that the level of taxation on commercial properties was now too high. Two thirds of those also said they saw no real benefits for the amount of money they were spending on the tax. Just 3% of respondents saw no problems with business rates. ‘owners said they thought the fairness of the tax system had deteriorated’ 30 years in the making Hampshire-based Network VEKA installer KJM Windows has marked its 30th year in business. Founded in 1982, the company took its name from founding Directors, Ken Hammant, John Creasey and Mick Burrell. Now run by owner and MD Mark Pearce, who joined the company in 1983, KJM offers a huge range of windows, doors and conservatories in PVC-U, aluminium and hardwood. MD Mark believes the company’s success has been brought about by many factors, but it is spearheaded by the loyalty of the staff that the company employs, and the quality of its products. “Having a team of people that have been in the industry for many years means the experience and expertise we have built up is invaluable, and we have an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction that we feel, really does give KJM a significant edge over the competition.” Mark is also selective about the suppliers KJM uses in order to ensure the highest quality’: “We offer one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry and honour our commitment to our customers. Because of this, Network VEKA has always remained a chosen partner for us.” Find out more about KJM at www.kjmgroup.co.uk. Network VEKA, 01282 473170, www.networkveka.co.uk 34 THE MAR 2013 ISSUE SPONSORED BY THE FIT SHOW To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com