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Former Glazerite UK Group chairman John Hewitt has announced his latest ‘Kelly’s Heroes’ fundraising challenge for mental health charity, We Mind & Kelly Matters (WMKM). Sponsored by the VEKA Group, the epic 52,000-mile cycling challenge will see John joined by his daughter Amy to raise awareness and funds for WMKM, the charity founded in memory of John’s late daughter and Amy’s sister, Kelly. Joining them are an intrepid team of cyclists, including Sarah Ball from Balls 2 Marketing, DoorCo’s Dan Sullivan, and Peter Mew from Mews Windows. Setting off from Burgos, Spain on 10th September 2022, which coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, three teams of four cyclists will undertake consecutive relays over 10 days. The arduous route takes them through France, where they will take on the world-famous Mont Ventoux, before finishing the European leg on 19th September at VEKA’s headquarters in Sendenhorst, Germany. From there, 12 riders head across the pond to take on the epic Highway 50 east-west route across the United States. Kicking off in New York, the team will cycle 3343 miles to San Francisco before finishing the ride on the Golden Gate Bridge on 10th October 2022; coinciding with World Mental Health Day. Set to try to clock up 52,000 miles – the equivalent of going around the world twice – Kelly’s Heroes will also promote the Time to Change #AskTwice campaign along the routes. Part of the route includes the infamous stretch in Nevada known as the ‘Loneliest Road in America’, thanks to its vast mountainous and sandy scenery. It’s this road that John has chosen to name the challenge after and is particularly poignant given the lonely nature of mental health. The epic month-long fundraiser follows on from the charity’s 1000-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2020 when Kelly’s Heroes raised over £130,000. The funds raised for WM&KM have since enabled the charity to roll out mental health support services such as counselling, support groups, and an online emotional support service for people living in Northamptonshire and beyond. John says: “This year’s challenge sees us cycle part of Europe and right across America, with the European leg covering more than 1800 miles. The US leg covers four different time zones and crosses seven mountain ranges, which will see us climb 145,000 feet. It is a huge undertaking, and we are under no illusion as to how hard it will be, but we are determined to make this our biggest fundraising challenge to date.” VEKA Group is the main sponsor for the event, with John adding: “We are hugely grateful to VEKA for supporting us and also taking part, and we are so excited to be starting and ending the European leg at two of their sites.” Further support has come from others in the industry, including Bohle Ltd and Central Window Systems. John explains: “Dave Broxton from Bohle Ltd has been critical in the planning for both rides, which has been particularly challenging given the original route was meant to start on the Russian border. Gary Morton of Central Window Systems recently joined me for a recce of the USA route, which has equipped us with some useful insight. It also brings to reality the sheer scale of what we’re taking on!” John concludes: “The entire industry really got behind us in 2020, and, even at this early stage, we’re already receiving some great support for this year’s challenge. We’d love it if those in the industry could share our challenge across social media, as it would really encourage us in our efforts and help increase awareness of mental health.” The Loneliest Road has some rider positions left. If you are interested in taking part or would like to know how you can support Kelly’s Heroes’ Loneliest Road challenge, visit WM&KM at Fit Show 2022, Stand C32 or watch https://youtu.be/12yI2dnozig

Area sales manager, Peter Smith, highlights why doors remain a key and continually expanding part of Glazerite's portfolio. As the nation’s energy bills continue to rise, consumers’ thoughts will invariably turn to ways to cut heat loss. With a new front door high on that list, Glazerite is gearing up to ensure our installers can meet demand. While composite doors have been a favourite of late, the original PVC door has become increasingly popular, and we are likely to see a further surge in interest over the coming months as homeowners look to improve energy efficiency on a budget. It’s a great alternative with outstanding thermal performance, and they are an affordable, efficient and stylish option available in a range of colours. We continue to see our composite door ranges develop and innovate. In the last year alone we’ve seen some significant changes from DoorCo with glass options and the new FLiP cassettes taking the aesthetics and performance of every door style to a new level. Security is also a big factor for homeowners, and it’s an area we work hard to help set our installers apart. Statistics from a UK insurance company recently revealed that more than three quarters of burglaries occur through doors, either by forcing the lock, breaking the door itself, or, worryingly, because the door wasn’t even locked in the first place. Having a secure lock, a robust door and the right smart tech in place to alert you in case you forget to secure your home can go some way to reassure consumers. It’s also why we choose to work with innovative suppliers like Ultion and Kubu, both of whom offer unrivalled security features and benefits as part of their security and smart technology ranges. While the unrivalled Ultion 3 star cylinder is standard on our doors, a simple upgrade to Ultion Smart allows homeowners to control the door lock using a smartphone, watch, or key. It also offers an ‘unlock on approach’ feature and can be programmed to remain unlocked for a set time before securing itself again. Meanwhile, the Kubu smart lock is equally as appealing to tech-savvy, security-conscious homeowners, and, like the Ultion Smart, is another selling point installers can share with customers. As Glazerite’s doors are equipped with the high performance Avantis multi-point locking system, it’s an easy upgrade for the homeowner to transform to a Kubu lock using a door module. Colour-wise, Anthracite Grey remains our biggest seller, while the classic Chartwell Green also remains popular. As the focal point of every home, the replacement of this tired timber door (pictured) with a Chartwell Green Solidor, courtesy of Glazerite installer Martindale Windows, shows what a transformation a new door can really make. Martindale Windows’ Paul Wightman has also recently completed a stunning gable installation in VEKA M70, with matching Anthracite bi-folds, for an incredible home transformation. It’s the choice Glazerite offers installers across our entire portfolio, which attracted Paul to working with us in the first place. Kendal-based Paul explains: “I’ve worked with Glazerite for many years now and it’s their portfolio that made them stand out from their competitors. I get access to high quality products backed up with useful marketing materials to showcase the styles and features that appeal to customers. I also really like the support I receive from my Sales contact, Peter Smith, and the technical team.” Working closely with our suppliers and listening to our installer partners like Paul enables us to continually evolve our doors portfolio and better support our customers in their own markets. This year will also see some exciting additions to Glazerite’s door portfolio, which we’re looking forward to sharing over the coming months.

Last month, a host of Glazerite industry partners rallied round to support We Mind & Kelly Matters, a charity set up by former chairman John Hewitt to raise awareness of mental health issues and support those who have been bereaved by Suicide. The Pink Tie Ball was held at a venue local to our Midlands Division at Wicksteed Park with over 430 party goers enjoying an evening of good, live music, an auction and a fundraising raffle. An incredible amount of £13,000 was raised on the night, and it couldn't have been done without the support of industry partners, suppliers and customers who were among the many who attended the event. Anglo European Central RPL Doorco Goliath Homeworld Mews Windows Residence Collection Snowdon Homes Starglaze VEKA The money raised has since been used by the charity to roll out much needed mental health support services across the Northamptonshire area, including counselling, support groups, and a live chat service. John Hewitt says "We're delighted with the success of our first ever Pink Tie Ball, and the support we had from our sponsors was hugely appreciated. Peers from across our wonderful and extremely generous industry have supported We Mind & Kelly Matters right from the start, and we're grateful the the charity can continue to provide services that support those who are stuggling with their mental health, as well as those who have been bereaved by suicide. We've got another huge fundraising event planned for later this year, and we're looking forward to sharing this with our supporters in the industry soon."

The Glazerite UK Group has expanded its reach with the launch of its newly-created North Division. Based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, the site offers VEKA installers operating in the area access to the leading trade fabricator's broad product range, backed up by bespoke marketing support, and a commitment to mutual business growth. Rob Brearley, Glazerite's Group Managing Director, says: "Yorkshire and the Humber is home to a number of VEKA installers as well as experienced personnel who can add value to our business and help secure further growth for Glazerite and our customers. We've been looking to expand our presence for a while; opening a site in Yorkshire enables us to better service our existing customers and welcome new ones. In conjunction with our Northwest Division in Bolton, it means we can better support those customers based further North and into Scotland with a higher level of service." Operating out of the Barnsey facility is new starter, Darryl Count, who joined Glazerite on 28th February 2022 as Office Manager, North Division. Darryl, who began his career in fenestration 30 years ago, brings with him a wealth of experience and industry knowledge. Darryl says: "I've been aware of Glazerite's growing success for many years. Having worked with VEKA products for 25 years, the opportunity to build on and help grow the Glazerite business in the North was a great fit. I've also worked with Rob Brearley in the past, which was a big factor in my decision." Rob adds: "Having spent so long in the industry, Darryl's expertise will help grow our presence and strengthen our overall position as a leading UK fabricator. As well as leading a team based out of the North Division, Darryl will support out Group-wide customer services and order processing teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience."

Leading trade fabricator, the Glazerite UK Group has appointed Frank Lobb in the newly created role of Group Environmental, Health & Safety Manager. Frank joins Glazerite on 21st February 2022 and will be based at Glazerite East in Peterborough, with responsibility for all the Group's five sites. Rob Brearley, Glazerite's Group Managing Director, says "We're delighted Frank is joining our team. He brings with him a great deal of experience, which spans the audit and implementation of compliance processes and procedures. He's also highly skilled at developing relevant content and training programmes, which is a great skillset to being to our internal capabilities. The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and stakeholders and how we manage our impact on the environment are critical to our business. As we continue to grow, Frank's new role will help us to roll out best practice across all of our sites." Frank, who has worked in the construction sector and more recently as a Health & Safety consultant, adds:  "I'm looking forward to joining Glazerite and delivering a health, safey, environment and wellbeing strategy that meets the needs of our employees and positively impacts on our customers and other stakeholders. Glazerite is a highly regarded fabricator, and I'm delighted to play a part in their drive for continuous improvement."

7th-13th February 2022 marks ‘National Apprenticeships Week’, an annual celebration of apprentices and the difference they can make to UK businesses. In recognition of the event, the Glazerite UK Group is highlighting the contribution made by two of its own employees who have been through the fabricator’s apprentice route. Company Accountant, Amanda Newman, is currently undertaking her Level 4 CIMA Apprenticeship. Based at Glazerite’s head office in Wellingborough, 56-year-old Amanda seized the opportunity to further her training via an apprenticeship. She says: “Though it does feel harder studying as an adult, I am really lucky to have been given the opportunity, and I’ve been well supported by Glazerite. It has been challenging at times, but it’s really helped me to fill in the gaps in my knowledge, much of which had been previously ‘self-taught.’” Amanda adds: “The apprenticeship has made me feel better able to carry out my role and love my job even more. I want to continue to challenge myself and develop even more skills. I’ve proved that it’s never too late to learn and it is always worth giving it your best shot, whatever your age.” Mia Harrison has just completed her Customer Service Level 3 apprenticeship with a Distinction and is now a trainee Customer Advisor at the fabricator’s Wellingborough site. Mia, 19, who joined Glazerite after sixth form, says: “I knew that university wasn’t the right path for me. I wanted to continue to learn and work towards more qualifications, however, so an apprenticeship was very appealing. “It has enabled me to learn new skills, and I’ve become much more confident in my abilities. Being able to actually put my learning into practice in a working environment has really helped as I’ve been able to learn so much about the industry firsthand. I’m really enjoying my new role as a Customer Advisor; it shows what opportunities are out there and I would definitely encourage more people to consider an apprenticeship.” Mia welcomes the encouragement and support she’s received from her Glazerite colleagues during her studies, and both she and Amanda have been praised by their line managers and the fabricator’s directors for their commitment to self-development, their roles, and the business itself. HR Advisor, Laura Rorke, who started her human resources career as a Glazerite apprentice knows first-hand the benefits the scheme brings. She says: “I was able to combine my CIPD management qualification while learning on the job; getting hands-on experience and putting theory into practice is such a great way to learn and develop a career. Mia has really blossomed in the time she’s been with us; it’s great to see her grow in confidence, successfully complete her apprenticeship and start her new role. “ Amanda is also a fantastic resource and has demonstrated that the apprenticeship route is not just for school leavers. It’s an ideal route for those of any age who want to gain a recognised qualification or switch careers.”

Our Group Marketing Manager, Michelle Wright, talks about how we can look to improve installer marketing for growth. 2022 looks set to be more balanced for our installers after the pent-up demand that followed the pandemic. The search and pitch for new business will therefore become more important, and a rejuvenated marketing strategy is the key to helping businesses stand out in a busy marketplace. The events of 2020 certainly cemented the need for a digital marketing strategy, with even the most reluctant of consumers becoming more comfortable online. Statistics show that 97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else, while 88% of prospective customers also search for online reviews. It pays then to have a robust strategy, with a dynamic, SEO-optimised website, and social media channels that can act as a starting point for the customer journey. Glazerite supports a large proportion of its installer base with both digital and more traditional marketing services. This includes our retail installer pack, which houses the latest brochures, showcasing our products from the likes of Residence, VEKA, and Halo. Our marketing packages are tailored to each of our installers’ needs and can vary from a consultative approach to hands-on support, taking the burden away from the installer so they can focus on their core activities. To match the bespoke nature of our offering, we get under the skin of each installer’s business and target market with an audit, to ensure what they offer addresses the expectations, wants, and needs of their prospective customers. This support ranges from a complete content overhaul and refreshed imagery to pointers that could enable our installers to take on even national competitors when it comes to marketing themselves. We are constantly evolving the marketing package we offer too, and we have recently rolled out our new retail-focused website for installers to take advantage of. This gives our customers access to an SEO-optimised, high-end web presence that can be installer-branded and meets the latest security criteria from Google such as SSL encryption. Next up is the launch of our social media toolkit, offering guidance and relevant content our installers can use to shape their social media channels, attract new business and develop and deepen relationships with existing customers. By adding value with our services in this way, we give our installers the foundations they need on which to build and grow into 2022 and beyond.

Leading trade fabricator, the Glazerite UK Group, is busy transforming its operational and financial procedures. Mark Johnston, Glazerite's Finance Director, shares why the transformation will futureproof the fabricator for years to come. It’s been a turbulent couple of years for the industry with continued supply chain disruption, price hikes and a shortage of skills and labour. In spite of these challenges and the ongoing pandemic, it’s been an exciting time at Glazerite as we continue to grow the business and take it from strength to strength. I joined Glazerite at the beginning of 2021, and last July I was delighted to play a major role in the management buyout of the company. It was a time-sapping process involving endless amounts of financial and legal detail but we had to make sure that we got the right deal for the future of the business, and I’m sure we’ve got that with Shawbrook. Since July, my main challenges have centred around debt management and cost controls. The funding we have in place from Shawbrook is flexible, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t under pressure to ensure we keep aged debt to a minimum. We made great strides in this area in the second half of 2021 but there are still improvements to make. We have also been challenging costs in all areas of the business to ensure we are as lean as we can be financially. We have negotiated extended payment terms with key suppliers, saved money by changing suppliers on things like insurance and fuel cards and introduced new policies within the business on things like travel. We have really got into the detail of all of the costs, including ‘hidden’ costs like the impact some of our delivery fleet have had on installers. This led to us placing an order for six new 7.5 tonne vehicles, arriving early 2022, to replace some of our older fleet that we’ve suffered with the last few months. The new stock will also enable us to deliver to customers in those cities with clean air zones where older vehicles might have been subject to charges. Our operations procedures are also undergoing transformation thanks to the introduction of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles, which we’ve rolled out at all sites helping to ensure we have the skills and technology to deliver exceptional service to our customers whilst at the same time being cost-effective and efficient. It’s a journey we are still undertaking, but it’s reaping rewards for us and our customers, with an increase in capacity and output at every site. Glazerite’s operations have been the subject of heavy investment over recent years, and this is an approach we, as a Board, are committed to continuing. Our North West Division in Bolton has recently doubled in size and to match this increase in capacity we are firming up capability in the form of a new 5 head welder and a corner cleaner, which will free up capacity and increase throughput of our casement window portfolio. We’ve also invested in a new cill welder and saw, which will be central to the planned overhaul of the site’s ancillary department and improve the accuracy of the cuts to the finish on our welded cill range. At Wellingborough, we have optimised the flow of the beading area and added a new bead saw. This investment forms part of key operational changes aimed at minimising tool and material changes and will increase productivity and improve beading quality. The welcome addition of a new 5 head welder will also further improve capability and efficiencies at the site. As a fabricator, we have major ambitions for our customers and further growth plans for us as a business. As we welcome in 2022, we will continue to strengthen our foundations in order to support our installers for many years to come.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Bob Wager as Production Manager for our Rixon Road site. Bob will be joining us on 5th February with over 23 years in fast paced manufacturing environments and has gained some direct experience in manufacturing of PVC windows and doors in more recent years. By working with his team through hands on training and leadership Bob has managed to increase output, improve OTIF and achieve relevant KPI's throughout his working life for quality, waste, performance and safety. "I felt a connection with Rob from the start, he has an enthusiasm and passion for the business and people within it that is really inspiring. I look forward to working with the team and helping to drive the operations and efficiences of the Wellingborough site." - Bob Wager "The last couple of months have been difficult at the Rixon Road site and Bob will be great addition to the team and brings with him some great operations experience and a strong management style which will help to achieve the work environment that will help us to perform to our best." - Rob Brearley Please join us in welcoming Bob to the team.

The Glazerite UK Group has welcomed several new faces in support of its ambitious growth plans. New additions to the management team include Paul Jagger, who has recently joined Glazerite as Group Head of IT, and Luke Hatfield, who has been appointed as Group Procurement Director. Paul says: “Having worked in the industry for 25 years, I’m looking forward to being part of one of the most respected trade fabricators in the industry. The IT systems and team in place already are impressive, and I’m looking forward to further enhancing the output and efficiencies across the Group.” Glazerite Group MD, Rob Brearley, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul and Luke to the team. Both will play an important role in aligning our IT, infrastructure, and procurement needs with our operational capability and plans for growth. While Paul will look to further optimise IT, Luke has taken on the challenge of navigating the current supply chain issues the industry is facing, while futureproofing Glazerite for the longer term.” Glazerite has also welcomed the return of Mitch Gooch, who has been appointed Group Technical Manager. Rob says: “The Group Technical Manager role is critical to our product offering as it allows us to create a product specification that meets the needs of our customers in line with our current and future capabilities. We’re delighted to welcome Mitch back to Glazerite.” The fabricator has also recruited some fresh blood into the industry, with the appointment of two new apprentices. Marc Hookings joins the IT team as an IT Systems Administrator apprentice, while the Marketing team has welcomed Joshua Mann as Marketing Apprentice. Rob concludes: “Whatever stage you are at in your career, it’s an exciting time to join Glazerite. We have some terrific people in the business committed to supporting our apprentices, with great mentoring and training programmes to help them achieve the best start.”

Nineteen independent suppliers to the home improvement market have penned an open letter to the fenestration industry, as the sector looks to balance unprecedented demand with global supply chain pressures. Bosses, from companies including Clayton Glass, Conservatory Outlet, Consort, Emplas, Glazerite UK Group, Nationwide Windows & Doors, Solar Frame and Sternfenster, have joined forces to address several Covid-19 related issues that are currently hampering how they can meet the national appetite for doors, windows, roofing systems and glazing products. The firms, which are based across the UK and span all the different specialisms of the supply chain, clearly lay out three of the main challenges currently facing them, including disruption with materials, rising prices/energy costs and significant labour shortages due to the pandemic and Brexit. They call for industry to show a united front of solidarity in that every supplier is weathering the same storm and that, by giving customers an understanding, they can quickly work together to provide solutions and get back to delivering continuity of supply. “I don’t think anyone could have prepared us for what has happened in the last twenty months - from having to close due to Government guidance and making our factories Covid-19 secure to then having to scale up to cope with what has been a 130% increase in demand for many of us,” explained Ryan Green, Managing Director of Clayton Glass, one of the driving forces behind the letter. “It would have been a big enough challenge on its own, but we are having to achieve this against a backdrop of global shortages in our core materials, workforce uncertainty due to isolation/a lack of workers and now rising prices across the board.” He continued: “This cocktail of issues has unfortunately caused suppliers across our industry significant difficulties, and we can’t escape the fact lead times have been pushed out and supply has been disrupted. “The letter isn’t a sob story, it’s more a case of trying to give our customers and, in turn, their customers, a clear insight into what we are all dealing with. It’s not one company doing something wrong, these issues are affecting all of us.” The open letter to the fenestration industry will be posted on the website of all signatory companies and shared across their social platforms, with the content also distributed to local, b2b and trade media. Ryan concluded: “We will continue to work round the clock to deliver a product and service that clients are happy with, and we are confident that together we will correct these issues and things will stabilise – it’s just the timing that is currently uncertain. “If any industry can adapt and emerge from this year stronger than ever, it’s ours.”   Signatures to the letter include: Jeff Dunn - Glazerite UK Group Ltd Ryan Green - Clayton Glass Greg Kane - Conservatory Outlet Steven Williams - Consort Jeff Hooson - Custom Glass Dan Sullivan - DOORCO Ryan Johnson - Emplas Kevin Harvey - Future Products Mark Rowland - Lancashire Trade Frames Roy Frost - Lister Window Systems John Whalley - Nationwide Windows & Doors Paul Williams - Northern Express Glass Jeff Walsh - Pearl Windows Chris Cooke - Prefix Systems Guy Hubble - Regalead Steve Jones - Sierra Windows Steve Taylor - Solar Frame Mike Parczuk - Sternfenster Sean Parnaby - West Port Timber Windows & Doors

After a challenging 18 months of postponed social and industry events, the Glazerite UK Group swung back into action this month with the return of its much-loved charity golf day. Now in its 15th year, the Pro-Am tournament was rescheduled from its usual July date to Friday 3rd September at Wellingborough Golf Club, with customers, suppliers and employees taking part in the competition and evening celebration. Thanks to generous donations from players and sponsors, the event raised over £4,000 for Glazerite’s nominated charity, We Mind & Kelly Matters, which was founded in 2019 by former chairman, John Hewitt. The golf day ‘teed off’ just after 8.30am with 35 teams playing right through to mid-afternoon. Quickslide’s Adrian Barraclough won the ‘Nearest the Pin’ at the 4th hole, while the competition’s ultimate victors were the team led by Dave Jones, formerly of VEKA. Dave played alongside golf professional, Ryan Evans, VEKA Area Sales Manager, Dan Liles, and club member, Glen Gulla, with Ryan setting a club record at his home course with 63 (-9). During a heart-felt speech, Ryan generously donated his prize-winnings to We Mind & Kelly Matters, and thanked Glazerite for the sponsorship he was given by the fabricator at the outset of his professional career. Despite the event taking place later on in the year than usual, the sun shone for the golfers, who later celebrated with an evening reception alongside their partners and colleagues. Liam Bird, of K2 Aluminium, who travelled to the event from the Wirral, said: “The Glazerite Trophy is always the highlight of my golfing calendar, and the Wellingborough course is superb. From start to finish, it’s always a very well put together event and a terrific experience. I’m very grateful to Glazerite for getting it up and running again this year; it was great to take part and see all those faces that have been missed over the last year.” Rob Brearley, Glazerite’s Group Managing Director, was taking part in his first Glazerite golf day since joining the fabricator. He added: “It was great to finally be able to socialise with some of our customers, suppliers and staff in such a beautiful setting. I have been with the company over a year now and it’s crazy to think this is the first opportunity to do what would usually have come very naturally in the first month or two in a new role. Since taking over the business there has been a lot of change, but our continued support of the Glazerite PRO AM trophy and our nominated charity, We Mind & Kelly Matters, will remain.” We Mind & Kelly Matters’ John Hewitt said: “I’ve loved doing the golf day over all these years and the feedback I get from fellow golfers, the club, friends and the industry is that it is one of the best. I’m thrilled that Rob is looking to keep it going. I also really appreciate the support everyone has shown for our charity and their generous donations, including Ryan’s prize money. It has been a true pleasure to watch him progress to the great golfer he is today.”