5-Star Rating with Sash

“Customer care is all important in today’s marketplace and Sash offers one of the most comprehensive services through its unique Window Energy Rating package!” This was the verdict from Richard Manser, whose company, 5-Star windows and Conservatories of Kidderminster, Worcestershire recently signed a prestigious deal to stock and distribute the extensive Sash product range.

The decision to move to Sash was due to the commitment that Sash offers to its customers and this includes a recent partnership with Pilkington energiKare™ which has resulted in the introduction of a powerful new scheme to raise the level of energy ratings in the company’s range. Under the partnership, Sash is now producing windows that attain to A, B and C ratings under the BRE Window Energy Rating Scheme. What this means to the customer is that they not only have guaranteed energy saving quality products, but they also have access to a comprehensive marketing package supporting the competitively priced range, and the backing of Pilkington, one of the most reputable names in the glass industry.

As one of the first companies to sign up to this innovative scheme, 5-Star is looking forward to reaping the benefits, which also includes eligibility to the Energy Saving Recommended Scheme. This significantly eases the cost and effort of attaining WER as a sole trader and it is this care towards the customer’s needs that raises Sash above the rest, as Richard explains.

“Having a range of products that sport a WER of C and above is the perfect way to gain customer confidence, as well as meeting the demands of offering greener products,” he concludes. “We made the right move over to Sash and the decision is already paying off, with full access to this excellent new partnership scheme.”

5 Star Luxury with Sash

Styles that vary, standards that don’t! The slogan of 5-Star Windows and Conservatories sums up the company’s corporate policy and signing a deal with Sash UK to supply and distribute Sash’s comprehensive range of doors, windows and conservatories is testament to these values! The deal also includes the innovative Sash Fitrite range of decking and components, a series that is increasingly attracting interest.

“We only supply quality, and Sash ticked all the right boxes for our requirements,” states Richard Manser, Managing Director of 5-Star. “We swapped from our existing profile supplier simply because Sash offers a vastly superior range for less cost … this equates to value for money for both ourselves and our customers.”

In today’s climate, customers are far more discerning about their requirements and one of the major current issues concerns the environment. “Sash’s environmental credentials are exemplary,” continues Richard. “As a company, we gain consumer confidence by offering greener products and the proven commitment of Sash to reduce the carbon footprint throughout the manufacturing process is a big bonus.”

5-Star operates from two sites in Kidderminster, Worcestershire with a 7,500 sq ft storage and distribution unit and a purpose built showroom, which will fitted out with the extensive range of Sash products. “In the six years that we have been established, we have earned a reputation as one of Worcestershire’s leading direct trade supplier, because we go one step further than our competitors and provide our customers with the very best in the marketplace,” concludes Richard. “Being associated with the Sash brand is a major benefit for our customers, who can be confident that the quality, support and longevity of the product range is superior to anything else!”

Result for Sash at Football Club

There’s been new developments at the Bamber Bridge Football Club over the summer, ready for the new season to start. Resplendent in the club’s distinctive colour scheme of black and white, Fitrite fencing from Sash UK is making a welcome debut.

The fencing has been installed around the pitch at Irongate, home to Bamber Bridge. For suppliers and installers, Lakeland Verandahs, the location couldn’t have been more prominent, particularly considering it was the first Fitrite installation job for the company, a family run business with more than 40 years experience of supplying and installing maintenance free home improvement products.

“We felt the economic climate and timing was right to enter the fencing and decking market, and the contract with Bamber Bridge proves that it was the right move,” comments Russell Milburn, former player at the club and now Managing Director of Lakeland Verandahs. “We took the decision to work exclusively with the Fitrite range simply because of its superior quality and for its broad potential in terms of colour.”

Colour was a deciding factor in the specification of the Fitrite at Bamber Bridge. The club’s chairman, Terry Gammons chose the fencing to match the club’s familiar black and white strip, with white handrails and spindles contrasting with the black posts. Aesthetically, the result is stunning but the value of the fencing offers much more. “Fitrite fencing significantly outperforms other fencing materials with its strength,” continues Russell. “Twenty-two men kicking a ball against the spindles on a weekly basis would cause damage to any other material but the Fitrite stands up to the challenge as the formulation of the fencing posts and rails uses galvanised steel and high-strength PVCu internal supports.”

In addition there is no need to worry about maintenance, a distinct bonus for overworked groundsmen. Because it is wood free, it does not rot or peel or flake, so there will never be any need for repainting or touching up. It is also 100% recyclable and contains no toxic chemicals.

“We are delighted with the result and so is the Bamber Bridge Football Club,” concludes Russell. “The product allows the club to comply with the latest regulations stipulating separation between stand and pitch with an aesthetically stunning yet practical solution, all down to the Fitrite fencing!”

Sash Packed Out For Partnership

With Window Energy Ratings (WER) becoming more prevalent within the industry and consumer awareness heightened to now becoming more energy efficient, Sash UK and Pilkington energiKare™ have joined forces to bring the company’s loyal customer base up to speed with the latest developments in this growth arena, and how they can fulfil consumer demand for value-added products.

By partnering with Pilkington energiKare™, Sash is now producing energy rated windows for both its VEKA and Spectus range attaining A, B and C ratings. The two companies coming together means that the customers of Sash, choosing to become a partner, have access to a range of window products that will help them differentiate their portfolio from their competitors, aid sales, become more consumer focused, not to mention being eligible for the Energy Saving Recommended scheme and reducing the cost of going through the WER process as a sole trader.

The demand for Window Energy Rated windows is subject to exponential growth that has been steadily rising since 2005, shooting up in the last year since its inclusion in the England and Wales building regulations (part L) 2006. This means that there is a need to elevate those companies that offer E rated windows further up the scale into band C, instantly opening up installers to a whole world of benefits.

“Using Pilkington energiKare™ to complete our insulated glass units means that we have products that meet all of the current market needs. Working in joint venture with such a company enables our customers, who are eligible for partnership, to have the endorsement of Pilkington and the Energy Saving Trust, are able to use the Pilkington brand with homeowners to leverage sales, offer a product that exceeds regulatory requirements - Part L, J, F and L Eire and satisfy the homeowners’ growing demand for ‘green’ products,” commented joint managing director of Sash UK Dave Ruzicka.

“By offering our customers a Pilkington energiKare™ partnership, simply means we are providing a comprehensive marketing package that supports our unbeatable products at a competitive price, positioning our customers perfectly with the consumer and more importantly their perceptions. The seminar has been a complete success seeing many of our customers taking an unprecedented interest in the WER scheme, seriously focusing their attentions on building an arsenal of better products to take their businesses forward!” concluded Dave.

“I am delighted to have been a part of the day’s proceeding and to be working alongside Sash to hone more window companies’ attentions to sourcing better energy products for their businesses,” said Andy McDowell, National Business Development Manager of Pilkington. “We know that our glass is the best in the market and by joining forces with such a longstanding player within the industry as Sash, our partnership means that we can invite progressive businesses to better their portfolios and optimise their sales. By joining our partnership scheme means that they have access to a wealth of marketing tools that will boost their operations.”

Existing and potential customers attending the seminar had their expectations raised and the impetus redefined when it comes to the grey area of WER and what they can expect from the future. This just adds another important string to the proverbial Sash bow and continues the company’s commitment to unrivalled customer service.

What people said:

"Customer care is all important in today’s market place, and having a range of products that sport WER of C and above is the perfect way to gain consumer confidence as well as meeting the demands of offering greener products. Today opened my eyes and I am definitely interested in pursuing this further!"
Richard Manser of 5 Star Windows and Conservatories.

"I came down from Scotland with a limited knowledge on WER, so did not know what to expect…I have to say that I am impressed with the partnership scheme and think it is something worth looking into further. I am always impressed by Sash and the initiatives they undertake to better customer relations and services."
Steve Porter of Porter’s Porches and Conservatories

"We were so impressed with what we heard today we believe this scheme is extremely beneficial to all who get on board!"
Paul Reid of Esk Glazing

"I am really interested in this initiative…I can certainly see the benefit of offering C rated windows as standard and doing this through Sash is cost effective and hassle free. We are going to grab this opportunity and make it work!"
Peter Bean of UPVC Care & Repair.

Top Deck to Business Success

In this age of diversification one product in particular that has exploded in the UK market over recent years is the PVCu deck that has been hailed as a major breakthrough in landscaping and garden design. A phenomenon that swept the United States some years ago has truly landed on UK soil with a bang and has been instantly picked up the discerning Great British consumer base.

Considered to be a high-end luxury home improvement product, the PVCu version has taken a dominant stance in the market place and is seen to deliver more beneficial properties than its wooden counterpart. One company that is certainly reaping the rewards, and indeed is responsible for introducing a PVCu version into the market to offer diversification, is Fitrite. Dave Ruzicka of Fitrite talks to Conservatory Magazine candidly about how decking and fencing has benefited installers nationwide.

“Fitrite has been bombarded with installers wanting to come on board and start selling our decking and fencing products. This goes to show that there is a demand out there and that our products are superior in terms of quality, aesthetics and of course price, making our decks the ideal diversification product for installers to extend their existing portfolios.

“Looking at the existing wooden products that commandeered the market for so long, Fitrite products instantly carry far more benefits. The up-keep on wooden decks is a continual job and in terms of delivering longevity they are extremely poor and subject to weathering. In fact weathering is the biggest factor that consumers have to face when buying a wooden deck and if not maintained will degrade over time and could be rendered unsafe due to rot. Not much of an investment when you look at it like that!

“From the research we undertook in the States, it was clear to see that PVCu decking and fencing was a thriving and vibrant industry that needed to be tapped into. Since then the advances we have made in replicating wood effects for PVCu products has been incredible and from this we knew introducing a PVCu version would be possible. So close is the replication that you would have to physically touch it to know, and even then many still have to ask…the aesthetical similarities are incredibly close.

“With consumers turning to low maintenance home and garden improvement products more and more the up-take on the Fitrite range has been unimaginable, seeing our decking and fencing being installed all over the UK in properties ranging from the park homes, right up to opulent private homes. The applications are endless and in recent years the commercial market has used the Firite range to extend their businesses in order to increase consumer traffic, seeing a spate of restaurants, hotels, garden centres and corporate offices kitting out their premises.

“More and more households are looking to extend their home improvements out into the garden, or outside available space, and for the window installer of today diversification is imperative to ensure survival in such a volatile market. We want window installers to continually replenish their order books with work and to fully supply them with the arsenal they need…and Fitrite installers are truly bringing in the business. Now the range has got bigger seeing the introduction of tinted glass balustrades, an increased choice of colours and in-built lighting to enabling the installer to give the consumer the chance to purchase a bespoke appendage to their home. This even extends out to gazebos!

"The Fitrite range is continually tested to ensure the strength and durability is not compromised and that our products set the standards for the industry to follow. This is further exampled through the development of our galvanised steel sub-frame structure that can withstand the elements, will never rust and gives the structure the firm support it needs. This also means that the structure will never warp unlike wood, giving our product that added safety aspect…especially for families with children, giving them that piece of mind that will never be out of mind for those opting for wood."

"I think its fair to say that the products speak for themselves and with it being so versatile it can be applied anywhere creating some truly exceptional spaces. Many of our installers have found the addition of Fitrite to their portfolios extremely beneficial…and let’s face it who wouldn't…they can turn even the dullest of environments into something extremely appealing." Concludes Dave.

Decking Out Holiday Homes

It’s easy to install, it looks fantastic and it’s maintenance free … these are just some of the benefits offered by Fitrite decking from Sash UK, which has been installed at the Golf Links Holiday Home park at Portrush in Northern Ireland. The summer holidays may seem a long way away but this caravan park is gearing up for the tourist season by installing Fitrite throughout! A prestigious and long-term arrangement has been agreed between MPB Decking of Northern Ireland and the owner of one of the major players in holiday homes in the region, for the supply and fit installation of Fitrite decking.

Portrush was the testing ground for the Fitrite product and the client was so impressed with both the product and service from MPB Decking, that this was deemed to be the winning combination for decking installation throughout the holiday park. Fitrite offers myriad advantages over conventional wooden decking, including freedom from maintenance, resistance to rot and deterioration and environmental responsibility. The PVC decking is 100% recyclable and contains no toxic chemicals. It has a unique modular design, making it easy to install and maintain and because of its formation, it has an inherent strength that will withstand even the most enthusiastic holidaymaker!

“To date we have completed a full range of decking options to the Golf Links holiday park in a range of colours matching each individual holiday home including a flagship black balustrade with glass to a more prestigious standard,” says Adrian McPeake of MPB. “The client has chosen a high specification product for his decking to the park that enhances the aesthetic appearance of the park and will keep its appearance over time. And for MPB Decking, being such a key player in the holiday home sector, becoming the main installer for other parks equates to a long term commitment for us!”

Deal Sealed on Orkney

A decade of working together has seen a strong bond forged between Sash UK and Orkney Builders, reinforced by the latter recently signing an exclusivity deal with the UK’s leading manufacturer and installer of PVCu doors, windows and conservatories.

Class, quality and service were key to the two year agreement, that sees Sash supplying over 60 windows a week to the island builders, fortifying the confidence that both have in each other’s abilities. “Orkney Builders is a prestige installer on the Orkney Islands and this deal aligns our policy to only partner with prestige companies,” comments Dave Ruzicka, Joint Managing Director at Sash. “Through ten years of experience, Orkney Builders knows that our product performance, quality and service are exemplary! One of the most important factors in the success of our working relationship is the ability of our extensive product range to combat and protect against the notorious Scottish climate – we build to last and the proof is all over the islands for all to see!”

As the island’s main building contractor, Orkney Builders handle a diverse range of projects from large-scale industrial to commercial and residential through to individual house builds. “Sash is our exclusive choice for PVCu doors and windows,” comments Stephen Kemp of the company. “Service, product and support are always excellent, but perhaps the most important issue is that of consistency. Our location on the island dictates that our receipt of supplies has to be precise – once a week we collect our orders from Sash and if one unit is missing, then the timescale means that we have to wait another week before it can be collected. Sash always ensures that our order is ready for collection, on time and to the exact specification. This is a trust that we have built up over the years and it works! This assists us in meeting deadlines and maintaining the highest possible standards of service for all of our customers on the island. We enjoy an excellent working relationship with Sash despite our remote location,” concludes Stephen. “The company takes a personal interest in our business and this care and attention is the reason why we have partnered with Sash for so long and we will continue to do so!”

Another Industry First for Sash

Having earned an unbeatable reputation in the UK as the No.1 manufacturer of conservatories, doors and windows, Sash UK’s status has managed to extend its reach across the Atlantic seeing the company secure a $1.8m contract to supply a two-storey conservatory as part of its joint venture with VEKA - Blue Diamond Conservatories - believed to be the largest conservatory deal ever made in the UK to date!

When a Pittsburg-based residential care home wanted to extend its premises to accommodate a swimming pool enclosure, scouring the US market to find a company to replicate the traditional, quintessential elegance and grandeur often associated with UK conservatories proved extremely unrewarding…that is until they found Blue Diamond. With Sash UK’s expertise in design & construction and VEKA’s versatile profile system, Blue Diamond was deemed the perfect choice as a company that could deliver exactly what they were looking for.

“We pride ourselves on producing inspirational structures and it seems that our reputation for greatness is reaching global proportions, seeing us out classing our transatlantic counterparts,” comments Sash UK’s joint Managing Director Dave Ruzicka. “Securing a deal of this size and nature is fantastic news for Sash. This high profile showcase job is one that will certainly cause a stir in the industry and quite rightly so! We won it because we are the best at what we do. The challenge for us now is to find out if any other company has secured a bigger deal…but it is doubtful.”
The 38m long x 18m wide conservatory has to be painstakingly pre-built on the shop floor, with the components assembled to ensure that this premium construction meets all design requirements. Once done, then the structure will be shipped to America to be erected, with installation scheduled for October 2007.

Once complete, the conservatory will stand as a permanent testament to the ability of Sash to supply and manufacture portal structures to the largest possible dimensions. “We have the capacity and we have the capability,” continues Dave. “This project is not simply a case of supplying components – it requires an expert degree of design engineering and meticulous planning to ensure complete success. The client recognised that we were more than capable of completing this mammoth task and once the structure is erected, we will be justifiably heralded as the company that made a record breaking deal to supply the largest conservatory ever sold in the UK!”