Pro Installer August 2014 - Issue 17 | Page 17

17 PRO INSTALLER AUGUST 2014 PRO NEWS @proinstaller1 UNBEATABLE SERVICE ON ALUMINIUM BI-FOLDS FROM HWL HWL Windows Group has reported a tremendous response to its seven day lead time on aluminium bi-folding doors from trade customers. The company has seen a significant increase in orders since it introduced the market-leading delivery service on white, black and anthracite grey. The company has invested in its bi-folding manufacturing facility to ensure that all its bi-folding doors can be pre-built and delivered as a single unit. And its innovative manufacturing system ensures that the doors are squared up and operating correctly before delivery. Graham Howatson, Sales and Marketing Director for HWL Windows Group, said; “Customers have responded really well to our seven day delivery service on bifolds. Over the past six months, demand has continued to rise for aluminium bi-folding doors and our service has meant we have been able to secure a growing share of the market.” HWL Windows Group uses only tried, tested and guaranteed gaskets from ALUK to ensure quality. As an approved ALUK supplier, HWL Windows Group manufactures its innovative bi-folding doors system using the very latest in high performance, high security, multi-point locking systems. In addition, HWL’s eight point locking system conforms to demanding ‘Secured by Design’ standards. HWL Windows Group manufactures bi-fold doors in one to eight door leaf options. These bi-folding doors feature slim-line profiles for enhanced sightlines. Its low threshold option is fully weather sealed and available in any RAL colour. ‘Customers have responded really well to our seven day delivery service’ All its aluminium bi-folding doors feature an attractive, chamfered bead, which perfectly complements chamfered uPVC or aluminium windows, with matching beads. All HWL Windows Group’s bi-folding doors come with Side Entry Key and Anti Snap Cylinder as standard. For more information, visit www.hwltradeframes.co.uk or call 01132 449006. No Fry-Ups, Dodgy Driving Or White Vans Tradespeople Shatter Stereotype Image White Van Men have completely shaken off the stereotype image of ill-mannered, dangerous-driving cowboys – at least according to a new study of 10,000 tradespeople and 1,000 customers by IronmongeryDirect. The survey shows that in reality, the tradespeople of 2014 are almost the exact opposite of the old-fashioned image of the White Van person….. in fact the majority of their vans aren’t even white (52%)! The average tradesperson, typically branded as a “White Van Man”, in 2014 (six percent of whom are actually White Van Women) is 46 years old, self-employed and also employs two other people. Those who drink, prefer a pint of real ale to lager, and they are most likely to have Ken Bruce’s Radio 2 show playing while getting on with their job. Their biggest passion is taking pride in doing a good job. What’s more, their customers agree. The average customer in 2014 reports that, in their experience, tradespeople give honest and accurate advice, turn up on time and charge a fair price. The majority of the public agrees that none of the myths about White Van Men is true; in that they don’t wolf whistle, drive dangerously or deliver poor workmanship. In fact, the modern tradesperson is (apparently) a sensitive, intellectual sort – who prefers an interesting documentary to the footy, and 53 percent say their favourite pastime is spending quality time with their partner. Wayne Lysaght-Mason, MD at IronmongeryDirect, comments: “Having a trade is something in which people take enormous pride. You’re in direct contact with your customers and are also ‘Building a reputation takes time and risking your future with sloppy work, particularly in the age of Google and social media, just isn’t an option’ hugely reliant on good word of mouth to keep work flowing. “Building a reputation takes time and risking your future with sloppy work, particularly in the age of Google and social media, just isn’t an option if you want to have a long-term career. “White Van p [