Sash Accommodates University

Bright, clean and fabulous! That's the verdict on the new 'the mix' bar facilities on the university park campus at Nottingham University. Students are now dining in style, courtesy of Sash UK, who recently installed two luminatrium portal conservatories. The structures were commissioned as part of a development to create 'the mix' bars that serve coffees and soft drinks alongside alcoholic drinks and food to all students and staff at the University.

The decision to install Sash's luminatriums was based on two main criteria. Firstly, the catering department realised that revenue was being lost from the existing restaurant facilities by a large proportion of the student body choosing to eat elsewhere. Secondly, there was a need to revamp the overall look and feel of the catering facilities to attract the students back. Sash delivered the perfect solution, with an attractive alternative that is literally jam packed every day!

"The returns on this investment have been incredible, seeing us beating the competition hands down," comments Kirstie Danzey of the University. "Sash has well and truly created an environment that has injected the 'wow' factor back into our university. The erection of the conservatories has meant that the facilities can be used during the lunch hour as well as in the evening. One of the main reasons for the specification of these structures was that they had to accommodate the shape and size of the existing facilities and, with the flexibility and adaptability of the portal construction, this was easily achieved. The result is a light and airy environment where diners can relax and enjoy the whole dining experience, with open views to the outside." Additionally, the value of the luminatriums showed in the overall cost as they were significantly more cost effective to erect than a traditional extension.

This cost efficiency is also revealing itself to the caterers, Nottingham Hospitality. Not only do the luminatriums look good, they are also bringing in diners by the droves. The students themselves have responded extremely positively to their new eating venue. In a recent survey undertaken by the university, there was overwhelming support for the increased space and choice provided by 'the mix' bars. Previously, students were leaving the campus and going into town but 'the mix' bars have meant that hungry and thirsty students now have all the refreshments they need on one site. In Willoughby Hall, the largest outlet, an average 362 students and staff a day now relish the ambient surroundings that the conservatory has to offer. "The return on investment is already evident," continues Kirstie. "This, coupled with the fact that the environment, allows diners to relax and eat in comfort. By erecting the Sash conservatories, we have not only expanded the existing catering facilities but we have created a very aesthetically comforting environment where the students can meet, socialise and enjoy a meal and a drink at all times of the day."

"Installing these two structures made sense in terms of the space available and the timescale for the work to be carried out," she concludes. "We needed minimum disruption and Sash provided the ideal solution with their luminatriums, which were assembled in the factory then transported to site for fast and easy installation…they have paid for themselves already!"

Speed of erection, ambient surrounding and a noticeable increase in revenue make the Sash luminatrium conservatories on the campus an economic and efficient investment all round.

From The Shop Floor To The Top Draw

The Sash of today is exceedingly different to the company that was started over 40 years ago. From the humble beginnings of running operations out of a shed to an international organisation that turns over £26m annually, Sash has defined itself as the market leader in the UK and has played a pinnacle role in shaping the industry as we know it today.

But as the company has evolved, one thing seemingly remains the same and that is the ethos of Sash's dedicated workforce who are committed to delivering the best quality and services in the business. The family culture that crafted the business over four decades ago is still as strong as ever, despite the business growing to gargantuan proportions.

One part of the business that has seen its fair share of change throughout the years has been the shop floor, the heart of the business. "The shop floor is one of the most instrumental parts of the business that has to be in a position to diversify in order to cater for industry demand…and to achieve this, we consistently employ the best workforce in the business," comments Dave Ruzicka, Sash UK's managing director. "Our shop floor staff have had to take on board a lot of changes over recent years - diversification into specific areas of new business and embracing new technologies for our nearly fully automated factory, the first of its kind in the UK. Our rigid policy is to employ devoted, committed people, and consequently, long service within our company is extremely high."

Working on the shop floor has enabled employees to learn the basic skills of the trade that has given them the knowledge and aptitude to excel up the Sash ladder should they so wish. For all shop floor employees, it is not just about turning out large quantities of frames or structures on a daily basis, it is about seeing the bigger picture and understanding how their work links in to all departments throughout the company. Current Operations Director, Glenn Trevelyan, typifies just how successful the system is. "I joined the company 20 years ago as a shop floor operative and was able to quickly understand how the business operated and just how crucial my role was within it. So when it came to taking my career to the next level, I was in the best position to identify the area of the business I could best excel in."

Sash heavily believes in internal promotion and ongoing staff development, enabling its workforce to craft their own positions within the business. "For those people that feel that they want to progress within the business, Sash gets behind them 100% to ensure they get all the help they need," continues Glenn. "When I made the decision to work my way up, the backing I received was fantastic. If I did not have the invaluable knowledge I picked up by working on the shop floor, I feel that it would have taken me a lot longer to achieve my goal."

Sash's shop floor operations have become the most sophisticated in the industry. With Sash now diversifying out into new markets of opportunity, and not to mention its overseas links, this is one area of the business that has had to adapt quickly to accommodate change, turning out literally thousands of products on a weekly basis.

"We are the best because we produce the best, and this is because we only employ the best!" Comments Dave Ruzicka. "When we are looking to branch out in to other areas of business and win new work, we have to show our prospective customers what it is that makes us different from our competitors. Not only can we turn around large amounts of frames daily, we deliver the very best quality all the way down the line. Our shop floor operatives are our craftsmen and our engineers. Our products are made to last and this is something that is never compromised!"

Sash strongly believes in rewarding its staff where praise is indeed deserved. For those shop floor employees that hit their targets there is the reward of paid leave, and if they regularly hit the number of frames required a cash bonus is paid. But incentivising the staff is not the only reason Sash has a wealth of longstanding employees.

Mick Tighe, a shop floor operative, has been with the company since the miners strike back in 1997, and he comments: "Being part of the Sash team is what makes this job worthwhile. I have supervised the shop floor for many years now and I have seen an overwhelming amount of change over the years…changes that have made me operate more efficiently. We now have an array of machines that make it even more possible to achieve our targets, as well as turning out a better class of product at a faster rate. Things have really moved on! Our whole working environment just keeps getting better and better!"

It is obvious Sash is one company that will never stay the same and will always be first in line to embrace new technologies to make its international operations run smoothly. But one thing is clear, Sash's dedicated workforce is the true secret behind its success.

Sash Conservatories On The Rise

Despite the unpredictable market conditions and recent downturn in consumer spending, Sash is one company that has consistently made terrific gains across the board seeing its sales increase in all areas of the business. One area in particular that has done exceptionally well is its conservatory business, seeing its sales increase by 25% in the last month with this anticipated to rise over the coming months.

It would seem that fabricators are more confident now about the overall prospects for the conservatory market than at the start of the year, and it is expected that the conservatory market is set to grow in the back end of 2007, compared to this time last year. With Sash's conservatory prices remaining consistent throughout the industry doldrums and kept as low as possible when the consumer spending started to level out, Sash’s price stability has won fabricators' confidence through and through.

"Of course economy dictates, but as a company that diversifies its operations to counteract such market depressions, we can afford to keep our prices extremely competitive without compromising quality," comments Dave Ruzicka, Sash's managing director. "With more and more homeowners now looking to increase their property value in what is perceived to be a buoyant market place for selling homes, conservatories are seemingly becoming the cheapest way to add value. So not only do we deliver the very best products in the market place, but also deliver them at the best price... it is obvious that our sales are rising and will continue to do so."

One company that is commandeering the market, in particular new build, is Sash customer Cristal Clear. Offering a complete turnkey service, Cristal Clear has capitalised this market niche as the company’s managing director, Christine Jones, explains: "Many companies out there in the marketplace are not looking at the bigger picture. We offer a full service, overseeing the full installation package from design concepts to fabrication, installation, electrics and handover. The majority of companies in the main tend to subcontract out, leaving the other trades to reap the rewards. Of course this boils down to getting first-rate suppliers on board... and Sash are certainly that! We can rely on Sash to deliver the goods time after time, regardless of how unique the specification. Also the speed in which they are turned around is exceptional. Our confidence is completely assured and we can concentrate on delivering a flawless service. Business is really booming for us."

For more information on how Sash can help your business go to: www.sashuk.com