PRO INSTALLER OCTOBER 2016
@ proinstaller1
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PRO NEWS
A RETURN TO LOCAL BUILDING PRODUCTS ?
With imported building products becoming more expensive in the aftermath of Brexit , it ’ s no wonder that some experts have predicted a rise in construction costs by up to 12 %. But as imports are becoming less competitive , could some British manufacturers profit from it ? Andrew Scott , MD of marketing agency Purplex , looks at the numbers . “ We believe there will be a strong favourable trend in the domestic market towards building products manufactured locally over the next couple of years ,” said Andrew . |
According to the Building Materials and Components Statistic published by the Office for National Statistics , last year electrical wires were both the most imported building products – with a total value of £ 1.55billion , as well as the most exported , accounting for £ 684million . One of the main reasons is that products manufactured in Britain are often a higher grade or quality and therefore more expensive than what the local construction market requires or is willing to pay . Timber window frames are another example , as Andrew explains : “ We have a strong tradition of manufacturing them in |
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the UK , but many constructors prefer imports from countries like Poland , although they accept that the arrangement comes with some disadvantages . At the same time , British joineries will export their production to other markets at higher prices – a recent study by Barclays shows that the ‘ Made in Britain ’ label commands premium rates overseas , and we believe that trend will continue undeterred . “ But with cost gaps between imports / exports closing , the UK construction market will turn its attention more firmly to what the local manufacturing sector has to offer . This is an excellent opportunity for building product companies to grasp more market share through effective branding and positioning ,” added Andrew . “ Obviously many British building product manufacturers import their raw materials and components , which has already pushed some of them to roll out price hikes after the Brexit announcement . However in the longer term we will potentially see them bringing more stages of their production back in the UK , and sourcing their components more locally ,” said Andrew . He concluded : “ A big part of what we do at Purplex , as marketing experts for the construction industry and the building products
Managing Director – Andrew Scott
sector , is to spot market trends and changes in demand and supply , and strategically use this information to increase our clients ’ commercial advantage .”
www . purplexmarketing . com
ROOM WITH A SEA VIEW
PatioMaster customer Millennium Windows and Doors has recently finished a sliding door installation on a modern coastal property – with spectacular results . Sales manager Steve Rushton explained : “ The customer did originally want bi-folding doors , but we recommended he look at sliders as the view would be obscured with bi-fold pillars . The 2 x four pane and 2 x two pane doors now maximise the view and flood light into the property , giving a complete wall-to-wall view of the sea . “ The customer also choose 6mm self-cleaning glass , as due to the property ’ s location it gets a lot of spray from the sea . Extremely pleased with the finished result , the customer requested an additional 4 pane door be fitted around a built-in outdoor BBQ area , which complements the overall look brilliantly . Millennium Windows has been working with PatioMaster for around 14 years now , and as Steve says , has never experienced any production issues . “ PatioMaster offers a premium quality product , with superior performance and design flexibility , and that suits our brand in PVCu perfectly . “ The wide range of colours enables us to colour match to our windows and other PVCu products and we like the motion of the doors , plus the guarantees are great , with ten years on mechanisms . All these factors attribute to us using , and recommending , PatioMaster doors . We install a lot of PatioMaster sliding doors and never experience issues with installation or the production .”
PatioMaster works through a small network of local craftsmen , to offer homeowners the reassurance of a trusted major brand , with the support and knowledge of a local company . With low profile frames , quality construction and security features , PatioMaster inline sliding doors are available in a range of 28 colours and finishes , from anthracite grey and rosewood through to vibrant pastel shades and Irish oak . To find out more visit www . patiomaster . co . uk .
For more information about Millennium Windows , call 01534 491108 or visit www . millenniumci . co . uk
Tool distribution transfer
Xpert Tools , known throughout the fenestration industry for its range of air tools , hand tools , and glazing tools has transferred sole distributorship of its products to major UK distributor Window Ware .
Window Ware has been distributing a wide range of Xpert Tools for a number of years but felt it was time to become the sole distributor of the Xpert product range . All customers who previously purchased Xpert branded products , and other brands such as Lowe , Stanley , Marples , and Thor from previous distributor WIC Ltd , will be now be looked after by Window Ware . Window Ware ’ s managing director Samantha Nuckey said : “ We are entering an exciting new phase where we are widening our product portfolio in direct response to the needs of our customers . The opportunity for sole distributorship of Xpert Tools is going to be a
key factor to allow us to serve and support our customers even better than before , not only by offering a wider range of goods , but with our recent technology investments in our website , warehouse , and purchasing systems , all to enhance our service offering .”
The full range of Xpert products is available from Window Ware . Visit www . windowwware . co . uk / brands / xpert