Summer 2015 Newsletter

Dear Customer,

2015 has reached the half way point with sales levels and order books remaining strong. There is plenty of good news to report with lots of new developments with products, the new website and marketing support, including the much awaited arrival of our new general window brochure!

The All New General Window Brochure

We can now finally confirm that the new 24 page general window brochure will be arriving at SWC week commencing 6th of July. The new brochure is packed full of information and imagery that we hope will assist you in winning more sales. If you would like a sneak preview we have already uploaded a copy to the SWC website!

Please accept our apologies for the delay but we had to hold back the printing of it due to introducing new products. Please note the new brochure contains information about the new 3* ATK high security cylinder but this product will not be available until early September. If you have any queries regarding the content please do not hesitate to contact myself.

New 'One of a Kind' Composite Door brochure

The 5th edition of our 'One of a Kind' Composite Door range is now available. This special offer range has proved very popular so make sure you request some of the new 5th edition brochures through Customer Services or our Trade Counter.

Please also remember that some of the glass options have limited availability, therefore if you are using an older version of the brochure some of the glass may be discontinued.

Summer 2015

Important specification changes that affect you all....

New Door Locks... Yale the world's favourite lock since 1843

At the beginning of August we will be changing our Residential, French & Composite Door locks to the YALE Lockmaster. The YALE Lockmaster is Britain's best selling multi-point door lock. This lock gives you more fitting tolerance and comes with all the accreditations you would expect from a premium quality lock including PAS24 and Secured by Design (please note these accreditations only apply to the lock and not the full door set).

We will put a technical PDF in the download section of our new website to show all the locking points. Alternatively if you require more information please contact Customer Services or myself. We remain very confident that the YALE branding will need no introduction to home-owners and will play an important role in their decision making process.

New High 3* High Security Door Cylinders

SWC has teamed up with Avocet Hardware to launch one of the best 3 star high security cylinders available on the market. Although we currently supply high security cylinders, both the Yale AS and the Yale Magnum are only certified with 1 star. Using the latest in advanced technology the ATK 3* Cylinder provides the ultimate resistance against all known cylinder attack methods. The ATK cylinder carries the highest accreditation available in the UK. Another common problem that we have overcome is that 3 keys are no longer enough for the typical family home and therefore we are pleased to announce that the ATK comes with 5 keys as standard.

● Patented Avocet Break Secure (ABS) Cam technologywhen attacked, blocks access to the inner mechanism of the lock to totally secure the door

● British Kite-mark TS007:2014 3 star rated lock (km586153)● Police preferred Secured by Design accreditation● Sold Secure Diamond Rated

Sold Secure is the premier testing and certification house for security productsSold Secure is the premier testing and certification house for security productsSold Secure is the premier testing and certification house for security products● Unique click secure thumb-turn option● Includes 5 soft grip keys ● Over 80,000 different key combinations

Summer 2015

Recent news

The BFRC are introducing an A++ rating later this year for casement windows with an A+20 or greater. The good news is that SWC and The Definitive Collection will automatically qualify for this new licence by using our triple glazed option with 56mm outer-frame (both System 10 & Rustique profiles qualify).

Please note though that the BFRC are planning to issue warnings over mis-selling with a potential £5,000 fine to boot!

The British Fenestration Ratings Council have recently issued a warning over the miss-selling of 'A' rated products and inarticulately claims around so called 'A' rated glass. Many companies that do not carry an official licence are still providing the home-owner with misleading information that their glass is 'A' rated. There is no such thing as 'A' rated glass and anyone found providing this information on their quotes or contracts could receive a fine of up to £5,000. We strongly urge you to consider how you promote your products especially on unlicensed products such as doors, as written unfounded claims may prove costly to you.

Order Acknowledgements

Order Acknowledgements are not to be treated as an automatic confirmation to confirm your orderOrders Acknowledgements only serve as a RECEIPT of order. Depending on the lead-time requested orders can often be put in to manufacture before you receive the acknowledgement. We strongly advise that you check order acknowledgements to make sure we have interpreted you order correctly. To summarise you do not always have an opportunity to check your acknowledgement and make amendments before manufacture.

New foils – Cream on White & Irish Oak on White

SWC already provides one of the largest ranges of stock woodgrain foils and we are delighted to confirm that we will be extending this range to include 'Cream on White' and 'Irish Oak on White'. The demand for woodgrain foils has been steadily increasing over the last few years and we are now confident that SWC provide all of the popular options.

Product update: Monkey-tail handles are not available on Triple Glazing

Please note we have removed the monkey-tail handle option from our triple glazing range. As the monkey tail handle base plate overlaps the bead by a few millimetres, the step in the triple glazing bead interferes with the base plate.

New Hallmark Panel Brochure now available

The new Hallmark Panel brochure has been wrapped with The Definitive Collection branding to compliment our full range of product brochures. There is the introduction of the designer collection which is a desirable range of modern living PVCu panel designs incorporating stainless steel glazing trims complimented with clean, architectural sandblasted glass.

Summer 2015

A+10 Casement Windows

The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) have recently established a new category for high performance double glazed windows that recognises and supports company's who remain focused on offering the very best solutions . The new purple band offers clear product differential over the competition. Our new A+10 casement windows are optional and slightly more expensive than the standard 'A' rated option, and only available in 56mm outer-frame in both S10 & Rustique. To achieve the A+10 rating, all of the outer-frame must be reinforced using thermal inserts as the picture indicates. If the sash needs reinforcing this will still be done with galvanised steel.We are please to confirm that we will shortly have our certification and proof to ensure that you continue to remain firmly ahead of your competition. Please note some claims by other companies are false and they promote simulations that have been done but not licensed.We have several products that are already licensed with the BFRC using the new A+ category this is highlighted with the unmistakeable purple band, this includes:

System 10 56mm outer-frame double glazed A+10Rustique 56mm outer- frame double glazed A+10System 10 56mm outer-frame triple glazed A+20Rustique 56mm outer-frame triple glazed A+20System 10 72mm outer-frame triple glazed A+16Rustique 72mm outer-frame triple glazed A+11Vertical Sliding Sash Window Std. Bottom rail double glazed A+11

Summer 2015

The New SWC Trade Website

For most businesses a strong, current and informative website is one of the most important investments you can make. In today's digital age anyone requiring more information about a company and what they offer, goes straight to their preferred search engine to find out more information. SWC has always maintained a strong professional image throughout the double glazing industry and our peers. We are very pleased to announce the introduction of our all new website.

We are fully committed to the maintenance and further development of the site and welcome any constructive feedback as to how we can further improve your experience. Websites are likened to a shop window that remains open 24 hours a day, 365 day per year and requires no staffing which has to be an attractive proposition to anyone. Websites remain the best platform on which to promote your companies products and ethos.

SWC teamed up with “The Consultancy” who are an award winning (fenestration specific) web designer and have a proven track record working with some of the industries leading brands. Due to the large investment made by SWC, The Consultancy will be happy to work with our customers at preferential rates to improve and expand your presence on the world wide web.

Summer 2015

The SWC Training Academy

The training academy is being launched as a partnership between fabricator and installer to ensure products perform and operate smoothly and ultimately cut down on any unnecessary remedial call backs. Fit and forget has long been the ethos that double glazing companies strive to achieve with every call back costing money. We have entered a new era in the double glazing industry and it is difficult to keep up as new product developments are fast-tracked and launched to unsuspecting installers.

Although we always try and communicate any important information regarding new and existing products and answer predetermined questions, key information is often lost in translation or fails to reach the installer. A practical demonstration will always be the preferred option to a written communication. It is important that all relevant information reaches the fabricator, installer and customer who will be operating and maintaining the product. The academy is dependant on your commitment and is also a platform to give us valuable feedback on how products perform after they leave our factory. By working together in true partnership style we can make installation times more efficient and cut back on unwanted remedials. The training academy will cover key areas such as:

● Product Design● Specification● Adjustment● Operation● Installation● Installer feedback

You can register your interest with Ken Boak or Sophia Appleyard in Customers Service to discuss the products you would like to cover.

Residence 9 - now being asked for by name

Residence 9 is fast becoming the product of choice for some home-owners who require a high end alternative to timber windows. This uncompromising luxurious brand is the perfect solution, offering detailing that fully replicates an 19th century flush sash timber casement window. 'I can't believe it's not timber' is often the reaction of many home-owners genuinely excited that a low maintenance alternative to timber is now available using modern PVCu material that is now widely accepted in conservation areas.

Since we introduced R9 at the beginning of 2014 we have seen sales steadily grow with installers appreciating the strong credentials R9 has against other products. For more information and a full demonstration please contact Mark Catchpole on 07802 301488.

Summer 2015

Skypod

The Eurocell ‘Skypod’ is an innovative product that meets the increasing demand for lantern and skylight roofing projects. Unlike other products that are basically small conservatory roofs the Skypod has been designed from scratch to offer that contemporary look using minimal sight-lines to maximise light.

• Outstanding quality, design engineering and technical innovation.

• Glass as standard, with a wide range of high performance glass options to choose from.

• A wide range of sizes and colours so you can find the perfect skylight to suit any building.

• A ten-year guarantee.

Please note that Skypod comes with a fixed 20 degree pitch and is measured using external sizes – please see the dedicated order form, which is available on the SWC website.

New Conservatory Roof Glass – Ambi Ultra Grey 1.0

Having a high performance solution to suit the individual and specific needs of every home-owner is almost impossible. There are normally three key performance values to consider, these include 'U' value, heat reflection and light transmission. There are several products on the market, but the performance values of this latest product are truly staggering. Available in glass lengths up to 4000mm and a maximum overall unit size of 2.9 m2

*Please note Ambi Ultra Grey 1.0 does not have a self-clean coating

Product U-Value

1.0 91% 8%

Solar Heat Reflection

Light Transmission

Ambi Ultra Grey 1.0

Summer 2015

Integral blinds

Integral blinds are proving a very popular solution for maintaining temperature, privacy and glare whilst also providing UV protection for valuable furniture. Unlike conventional blinds that are difficult to clean, integral blinds are enclosed within the cavity of the hermetically sealed glass unit, therefore keeping them clean forever. Available in a wide range of styles and colour the blinds can also be manually or electronically operated.

● Maintenance free● Ultra modern styling● Ideal for homes, conservatories, public buildings & office spaces● Totally Hygienic – no dirt or bacterial build up● Warm Edge Spacer Bar as standard

Product update – Composite Doors

With immediate affect we have dropped our PAS 24 & Secured by Design accreditation for Composite Doors. After carefully monitoring the sales that required this specification it was evident that the cost of the licence versus the number of additional door sales were not in-line.

180mm cills - IMPORTANT

During the first couple of weeks in August, we will be discontinuing the 200mm cill in favour of the 180mm cill as a result of customer feedback.

Summer 2015

A rated PVCu Bi-folding Doors

SWC are one of the first Company's to receive 'A rating for PVCu Folding Sliding Doors (with standard threshold)

The BFRC recently introduced a new category in to their highly popular energy rating system whereby you can now produce 'A' rated folding sliding doors or Bi-folding doors as they're more commonly known.

When purchased fully glazed our Eurocell 'Aspect' Bi-folding door is now officially 'A rated. Please note any changes to the thresh or glass will not be covered by the rating. If you are unsure please ask one of our experts. Unfortunately our aluminium Bi-fold cannot be 'A' rated currently but we're sure ALUK will consider this in any future product development.

Further investment in Bi-folding doors

The Bi-fold door market is set to increase further as this premium lifestyle product becomes a popular choice for modern day living. To cope with this rising demand we have recently installed a second and larger vertical rig which will more than double capacity.

Bi-folding doors are rarely used as a replacement product due to the size limits of existing openings, their popularity mainly comes from new-build homes and extensions. If you would like to know more about the Bi-folding doors, why not book a visit to our new training academy and here we will cover design, specification and installation

Bi-fold Door Pricing - Do not get caught out by assumption!

Bi-fold Door pricing can be affected by the following:• The door style configuration alters the price as different configurations use

different components. For example a 4:3:1 is more expensive than a 4:4:0 • Special RAL colours are priced using bar length optimisation and any small

changes to sizes can result in a large price difference due to the re-optimization so please confirm before ordering. Lead times are increased for dual colour doors.

• Aluminium is an expensive material and consideration should be given to add-ons, cills and corner-posts.

Summer 2015

Online pricing and ordering

We are continuing to develop our online pricing and ordering software. The bespoke pricing software known as 'Panacea' is easy to use and with internet connectivity gives you instant access and full control over pricing and ordering. With the growing number of options that home-owners require we have developed the software so that you can easily make alterations or provide alternative options enabling a fast and efficient service to your customer. To summarise:

● Generate quick and accurate quotes● Cut down on unnecessary paperwork● Edit quotes for product changes such as, additional options, upgrades and

changes to specification.● Save your quotes electronically for future use● Save time by converting quotes to order● Produce detailed and professional customer contracts

Please email markc@swctradeframes.co.uk for further details

Final Word..If you would like to contact me directly about any of the articles listed please ring 07802 301488 or e-mail markc@swctradeframes.co.uk and I will do my very best to assist with your enquiry.

Kindest Regards,

Mark CatchpoleSales Director