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We have appointed Andy Hill as our new Group Technical Manager. It follows the recent promotion of former incumbent, Mitch Gooch, to the newly created role of Operations Manager at Glazerite's Specials Division.  Andy, who joined the trade fabricator on 3rd January 2023, will oversee technical capability across the fabricator's five divisions, reporting into Managing Director - North West Division, Darren Rhodes. He says: "I've watched Glazerite's growth closely over recent years, so I was delighted when the opportunity to join them came up. I have a wealth of industry knowledge and experience in technical, production, and quality and assurance, and I'm looking forward to being able to play a role in further strengthening technical capability across the Group." Meanwhile, Mitch has moved into his new role at the Wellingborough-based Specials Division, where he will lead operations and quality while maximising efficiences at the site. The unit is dedicated to the manufacture of the Residence Collection and VEKA Imagine Vertical Slider portfolio, all of which continue to grow in popularity with homeowners. Glazerite Group MD, Robert Brearley says:  "These are two great appointments for our business. The products manufactured at our Specials Division are a key part of our growth strategy, and Mitch is an experienced leader who can help us grow capacity and improve processes at the site to better support our installers. The technical support we offer our installer partners also remains a key part of our offering. Andy's broad experience in production, installation, quality and the technical aspects of uPVC products makes him a great appointment for the Group Technical Manager role at Glazerite."

Mitch Gooch has been promoted to Operations Manager of our Specials Division, with Andy Hill joining us as Group Technical Manager starting in the New Year. Since re-joining Glazerite 15 months ago Mitch has helped to realign and strengthen our technical capability across the group. With his drive to grow into a more operational role, there was a great opportunity for him to head up our niche products and manufacturing at our Specials Division. As part of this newly created role Mitch will bring great focus to quality and process improvements with control checks to maximise efficiencies and capacity at this division. Andy Hill joins us on 3rd January 2023 to take on the Group Technical Manager role, with a thorough handover from Mitch to help Andy transition into the business and the group wide role. Managing Director Rob Brearley says: "These are two great appointments for our business, Mitch is exactly the right person to lead the operational process and performance of our Specials Division. The products manufactured are a key part of our growth strategy, they help our installers differentiate in their markets from the commodity windows and doors which are so widely available. The technical support we offer our installer partners remains a key part of our offering and Andy's broad experience in both production and installation, combined with his vast knowledge of quality and technical aspects of uPVC products makes him a great appointment for this role across the Glazerite group. We look forward to welcoming Andy into the business in the new year and enabling Mitch to grow in his new role."

We have supported The Lewis Foundation for the great work they do with adult cancer patients across Northamptonshire for a number of years. At Christmas time they hand deliver gifts and support packs to cancer patients. For this they are reliant on the support of individuals and businesses, so we have decided to sponsor hampers rather than sending gifts and cards.  It can be a sad, frightening and lonely experience for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, and even over Christmas for may people in hospital, the volunteers from the charity are their only regular visitors. Our donation means that The Lewis Foundation can continue to provide hampers over the festive period to bring a little extra cheer this Christmas to those fighting this tough battle. The appreciation and messages of thanks we receive in return are heart warming. The Lewis Foundation has been surprising people in the community with Christmas hampers, which has been possible thanks to kind donations. It's been heart warming to see people receiving these hampers, if we can help brighten up even one persons day then it's all worth it. Would you like to support The Lewis Foundation? Click here to donate and support them with the amazing work their doing.

We are set to boost our product portfolio with the addition of an aluminium range. The move has been designed with its installers in mind as we seek to expand our offering and support customers to leverage new opportunities. From January 2023, Glazerite will offer installers access to the Senior Architectural Systems (SAS) aluminium product range of casement and Tilt & Turn windows, as well as bi-folding and patio doors. Rob Brearley, Glazerite's Group Managing Director explains:  "Our uPVC product range is one of the broadest in the industry. We recognise though that the market for windows and doors is ever evolving and by adding aluminium to our portfolio, it gives our installers access to another solution that appeals to today's trend-conscious consumer." The addition of the SAS range of aluminium products enables us to test the market amongst its customer base with the assurance the profile is crafted with the same high-quality finish Glazerite's customers expect, while adding futher options to its portfolio that will suit every customer budget. Rob adds: "Aluminium is a high growth market and one that we've wanted to explore for a while. By partnering with SAS on its supply, we can gauge the market initially across our existing customer base and better understand its potential. From there, we will look to expand our operations to fabricate the products ourselves.

A fresh face to the industry 18 months ago, Katrina has demonstrated perfectly what it takes to progress quickly within the business.   A new role is daunting at any time, but when you're new to an established industry it's even harder to get your head around the products and way of working.  Not for Katrina Jones though, having joined our purchasing Team at our North West Division in April last year she was given the opportunity to take some fresh perspective on what we were doing and contribute to the overall improvement, growth and efficiencies of the purchasing department at Bolton.    I think the last 2 years has seen the biggest changes I have ever gone through in my life from new job to house buying and massive personal and lifestyle changes for me.  Through this the Glazerite Team has helped me massively, I've thoroughly enjoyed learning so much about the business and industry and it's got me through a tough couple of years.  I look forward to my career progressing with Glazerite. Katrina Jones Purchasing Team Leader, Glazerite, North West Division With responsibility for the ordering of all stock her role is critical in assuring the continous flow in production.  This has enabled her to play a heavy role in the reduction of slow-moving stock and delivering a much improved customer returns process.   Katrina has demonstrated a real passion for the business and the role she plays in it, the transformation we've seen in her since joining is fantastic.  Her confidence has grown at pace with her product and process learning, whilst brining along 2 new members of the team.  With a natural interpersonal and leadership style, we are delighted Katrina has accepted the new role which will be supported with training and mentoring.  The promotion is testament to her drive, commitment and hardwork, she is the perfect fit for team leader to take our team forward. Oliver Bailey Purchasing Manager, Glazerite North West Division  

Speaking with Daniel Partridge, Customer Care Support Manager at Glazerite UK Group shares why, even at work, it's important to take pride in who you are. "In June, Glazerite hosted its very first Pride Day across the group, with employees wearing something rainbow-coloured in support of the LGBTQ+ communities, and its set to become an annual event for Glazerite. This year marked 53 years since the Stonewall Riots, a time when being gay was classified as a mental illness in the US, and the gay community was regularly beaten by police and shunned by society. Half a century on, there's still work to be done to educate and raise awareness of the damage caused by homophobia. But gay rights have come a long way since 1969. I have worked on and off in fenestration since I was a teenager, I had just come away from being a kitchen appliance fitter on building sites, which is stereotypically an alpha male industry. I was expecting something similar in fenestration and was very nervous to start in an environment where I thought I would have to hide who I was. But the team I worked with initially was very welcoming and made me feel comfortable and confident to be myself. It wasn't all plain sailing though, and I have experienced discrimination. I've been overlooked for roles for which I have had far more experience, for example. There was also one occasion when I was taken aside by a manager prior to a company function and told to not "act gay" as they felt the customers wouldn't be very accepting. In actual fact, I believe this was more the opinion of the manager. That behaviour was damaging enough that it brought on a collapse in my mental health, and it had a negative impact on my career. I do feel however that attitudes are changing and these kind of experiences don't happen as much as they used to. More people are talking about and including the use of pronouns on their CV's, for example, and celebrating events such as Pride. If employers show a welcoming, open and inclusive work environment during the interview stages and on websites and social media, more people from all areas of life will find they would be accepted in the industry. Glazerite is very diverse. We have people of different sexualities here, and no-one is made to feel unwelcome because of this. Everyone is open about who they are, and the company and its leadership team is committing to investing in its people and encouraging involvement in the continual improvement of the business. The culture being embedded is that we should be proud to work here and continuously improve through listening, learning and adapting, striving for excellence across the business as one team. As part of that, it's important to feel comfortable in your working environment. Pride is all about being proud of who you are, no matter who you love."

We have strengthened our IT department with the addition of Senior Software Product Developer, Andy Thompson. Andy worked with Glazerite for a number of years prior to re-joining the fabricator in the newly created role. Paul Jagger, Head of IT says: "We're delighted to welcome Andy back to Glazerite. He will be focused on driving through strategic changes in IT and will work closely with myself and Group MD, Rob Brearley, on developing our systems, alongside rolling out Group-wide projects. Andy has also been tasked with helping us to introduce new technologies to help underpin our ambitions for growth as a company and for our installer-partners." Andy joins Paul, IT Systems Administrator, Chris Cooper, and IT Apprentice, George Wildig in a burgeoning department being strengthened to improve the fabricator's internal infrastructure as well as better support customers with next-generation software services. Andy adds: "I'm delighted to be returning to Glazerite and joining the team. We've got lots of new ideas and technologies in the pipeline and I'm looking forward to embedding these for the benefit of the business, our employees, and our installers."

Starting with the business in 2021, Michael St Ledger was appointed as Production Manager to oversee the North West site. Having worked in aluminium windows and doors for 10 years, Michael was the perfect fit for this role due to his experience in the industry. With his day-to-day role involving ensuring production runs smoothly, it's clear that Michael excelled in the role, having improved the manufacturing division by implementing KPI boards, reducing delivery lead times and implementing 100% quality checks on all products. Due to his experience in the industry and noticable leadership skills, Michael has been appointed General Manager at the North West Division, enabling him to take on full responsibility for the operation of the site and all employees. We're sure you'll join us in congratulating Michael and wishing him luck in his new role.

One of the biggest changes we've seen in recent years is the demand for coloured windows with one in four windows in the UK now being foiled. One colour that is noticeably a favourite amongst customers is Anthracite Grey, creating a modern, sleek look for homes across the UK. In line with this surge in demand, VEKA released a grey base profile option to rival the look of aluminium but with all the benefits of uPVC, another great selling point for installers.  At Glazerite, we now offer the grey base profile across our VEKA, Halo and Imagine products, offering an elegant product for your installs. Where you're offering two sides in Anthracite Grey Smooth, Woodgrain and Spectral, the grey base is now available, for the homeowner this offers a great finish to their frames covered from all angles. If you'd like to find out more about how you can offer this to customers, get in touch with us.

Starting on 10th September (World Suicide Prevention Day), a group of 23 riders will be taking on the gruelling challenge of cycling 52,000 miles across Europe and the USA. This challenge is to raise vital funds for delivering mental health locally, whilst helping to raise awareness of Mental Health globally. James Westley, Production Manager at our Specials Division in Wellingborough is bravely undertaking the full challenge. The charity is very close to his heart as We Mind & Kelly Matters was set up in memory of his neice Kelly in order to help others struggling with their mental health. If you'd like to help James meet his donation target click here. Originally set up by former chairman John Hewitt who is also taking on the challenge, Glazerite continally support the charity including sponsoring some of our customers Peter Mew (Mews Windows) and Adrian Lewis (Frames Conservatoies Direct) who are also part of the riding team. We'd like to wish all the riders luck in their upcoming challenge. If you'd like to support the team you can go to their fundraising page - https://justgiving.com/campaign/Kellys-Heroes-The-Loneliest-Road-2022

Directors at the Glazerite UK Group have marked a year at the helm of the nationwide fabricator, following last summer’s management buyout. Led by Group Managing Director Rob Brearley, alongside fellow directors Mark Johnston, Jeff Dunn, Darren Rhodes, and Matthew Thomas, the team has spearheaded a number of improvements to unlock further opportunities for its customers, against a challenging backdrop of raw material shortages and energy price hikes. Rob explains: “Glazerite was already a highly respected company staffed by dedicated employees when we took it over. Following completion of the MBO in July 2021, we’ve begun to rollout a programme of improvements to further benefit installers, our people, and how we operate as a business.” Recent changes have included a sixth site, with the opening of Glazerite North in Barnsley. Meanwhile, investment into new machinery and equipment has continued across the business, as well as the addition of new vehicles that meet Low Emission Zone (LEZ) emission standards, making deliveries to LEZ-based customers easier and more sustainable. Strides have also been made to embed a lean culture across the fabricator, with best practice ways of working implemented in the customer services and order processing teams, headed up by longstanding Glazerite employee, Melanie Jacobs. Rob adds: “Our people are the foundation of everything we do. By encouraging contributions and input from everyone, we have been able to strip out unnecessary, time-consuming, and costly tasks across all functions. This is particularly notable in the manufacturing side at each division, where we’re embedding lean principles.” Development of staff and diversity is also top of the Glazerite agenda, with Rob adding: “In addition to empowering employees to contribute ideas on how we run the business, we offer development and a clear career road map. We’ve got some real success stories already, particularly amongst our younger cohort, with the likes of 24-year-old Oliver Bailey heading up purchasing at our North West Division, and Eleanor Austin, 23, being promoted to Purchasing Manager at our site in the Midlands.” The next 12 months are set to be just as busy for the fabricator, as Glazerite continues to expand its product portfolio, giving customers even greater choice, service and support. Rob concludes: “We’ve taken the reigns at the toughest of times and had to contend with some tough external factors such as raw material shortages, nationwide resourcing issues, and spiralling prices. Fortunately, we’ve navigated these successfully and look forward to realising our ambitions for growth.”

Name: Robbie Suttle  Department: Purchasing Team Apprenticeship: NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration Robbie works within our procurement team at our Midlands Division. He is currently working his way through an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration as part of his apprenticeship. Alongside his studies Robbie's identified some impressive changes for the panel section of our factory at Rixon Road which would improve efficiency.  Robbie mentioned "As I working in the area it occured to me that there were some improvements that would really help us all. When I mentioned it to my manager I was told, create a plan and put it in place. I've really enjoyed being able to put it into practice and see the results now, it's helped a lot of areas in business." Always keen to encourage staff with improvements in the business they identify - he was set our with the task to put it in place, the scope of works covered: Redesign of the racking and storage to make the cutting process more efficient Re-organisation of panels to make fast movers more easily accessible Implementing a designated flat white panel storage section and ordering system Identifying and creating a new designated area for SBD panels Luke Hatfield, Group Procurement Director highlights "Robbie is young, keen and ambitious, he's been with us 18 months and in that time we've seen his confidence, product, operational and business knowledge grow as he thrives in his role. A real team player Robbie has been responsible for these systems and processes which are already making an impact. All of which are improving the bigger picture in our business for manufacturing, stock management and operational efficiencies."