Pro Installer March 2014 - Issue 12 | Page 26

26 MARCH 2014 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk VEKA UK Group is ‘Secured by Design’ across the board The VEKA UK Group is proud to have been awarded the ‘Secured by Design’ accreditation right across its VEKA and Halo product ranges, in addition to already holding the accreditation on its Bowater Doors range. AVOCET SETS SIGHTS ON MIDLANDS WITH PASKIN APPOINTMENT Head of Technical Mark Barsby explains: “We are proud to have demonstrated all our systems to meet the requirements of the strict Secured by Design criteria and, as such, we now have full SBD membership. Avocet Hardware has appointed Karen Paskin (pictured) as its new business development manager for the Midlands. “Our highly-secure systems had already achieved enhanced security standards to PAS 24 but now, with the additional SBD logo, our clients can see at a glance that this accreditation is stitched throughout the supply chain. The Brighouse-based company is currently seeking to re-establish its position as the leading player in the home window and door security market and sees business development roles as a key part of its future success. ‘Highly-secure systems’ “VEKA and Halo supply a large number of SBD-approved fabricators and the use of the SBD ‘Police Preferred Specification’ logo quickly identifies to specifiers and public the level of secure design running from extruded systems to finished products.” To see a full list of the VEKA UK Group’s SBD-accredited products and fabricators visit www.securedbydesign.com and search ‘member companies’. VEKA plc, 01282 716611, www.vekauk. com, [email protected] The full Network VEKA Package Works For AWC 2013 was a very good year for Oldham-based AWC Home Improvements. Not only did the Network VEKA installer celebrate its 35th anniversary, but they were also double award winners at the organisation’s AGM, where they picked up the trophy for Embracing and Promotion of the Network VEKA brand, as well as being voted top for Customer Satisfaction in the North West. A second generation family business set up by Robert Griffiths and David Smith in 1978, AWC is now run by Robert’s son Michael, and joined Network Dr Tinkle Jain, a director of Avocet Hardware, said: “Our aim is not just to return Avocet to the market leading position it once held, but to eclipse this and become the company to turn to for all home window and door security needs. “To do this we need the very best people pushing the business and its products forwards and Karen’s knowledge and experience in retail and field sales, and as a key accounts manager is the ideal mix for this kind of role.” Karen’s career started in the early 1990s, selling windows into the retail market for Staybrite Windows. She then went on to work across a range of different markets in field sales roles, prior to becoming a key account manager for grouphomesafe. Commenting on her appointment, she said: “This role combines the best elements of sales and account management and as such presents me with a challenge that I’m delighted to be given and am passionate about making a success of.” http://www.avocethardware.co.uk/ or call 01484 711700. Pick up the PRO Installer, FREE, from one of over 300 trade counters. VEKA in 2005. The elite local installation company also has a fabrication side - Gemini UPVC, run by Michael’s brother Paul. Michael explains: “Gemini was our main focus for a long time, and it’s only over the last couple of years that we have pushed AWC to the domestic market. Since then we have taken advan