Welcome to the April 2026 edition of the National Fenestration Awards Magazine. As always, putting this issue together gives us a great opportunity to take a step back and look at where the industry is right now—and it’s clear there’s a lot going on. From business growth and new appointments to major conversations around safety and regulation, this feels like a sector that’s not standing still. One thing that really stands out this month is the balance between progress and responsibility. On one hand, we’re seeing continued innovation across products, systems and technology, with businesses pushing forward and investing in the future. On the other, there’s a growing emphasis on accountability— particularly with the introduction of PAS 2000 and the wider shift towards evidence-based specification. It’s a reminder that moving forward as an industry also means raising standards and doing things the right way. There’s also a strong people story running throughout this issue. From leadership changes and well-earned retirements to businesses expanding their teams and investing in apprenticeships, it’s clear that people remain at the heart of everything. At the same time, the ongoing challenge around skills and recruitment is something we can’t ignore. We’re an industry full of opportunity, but we need to do more to tell that story and bring new talent in. It’s also great to see continued support for the awards themselves, with sponsors getting behind key categories and helping us celebrate the innovation and hard work that keeps this industry moving. The NFAs have always been about recognising what makes this sector special—and that hasn’t changed. As always, thank you for your continued support, whether you’re voting, sponsoring, entering, or simply taking the time to read and stay connected with what’s happening across the industry. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. The NFA Team
www.fenestrationawards.co.uk
IN THIS ISSUE
20 Windows 28 Aluminium 30 Awards 36 Recruitment
4 People 7 Sponsorship 10 Hardware
4 WINKHAUS 7
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UAP 20
CO MANUFACTURING
28 SHEERLINE 36
REHAU
People
Winkhaus UK Appoints Andy Meakin as Sales Director
Winkhaus UK has appointed Andy Meakin as Sales Director, further strengthening its senior leadership team as the business continues to invest in growth, customer partnerships and product innovation. Andy joins Winkhaus UK with more than two decades of experience across the fenestration sector and brings with him a strong track record in sales leadership, customer development and commercial growth. Throughout his career, he has worked with a number of well-known industry businesses, building a detailed understanding of customer needs, routes to market and the wider commercial factors shaping the sector. In his new role, Andy will lead the sales function across the business, helping to shape strategic direction, strengthen customer partnerships and support the continued development of Winkhaus UK’s offer across multiple product areas and markets. His experience spans business development, sales strategy and wider commercial leadership, making him well placed to support the company’s next phase of growth. Justin Harris, Managing Director of Winkhaus UK, said: “Andy brings significant industry knowledge, commercial experience and a clear understanding of what matters most to customers. His appointment reflects our continued commitment to strengthening relationships across the market, supporting our customers’ growth, and ensuring Winkhaus UK remains well positioned for the opportunities ahead.” Andy said he is joining Winkhaus UK at a particularly positive time for the business, citing its momentum, ongoing innovation and strong platform for future
growth. He said:
“I’m pleased to be joining Winkhaus UK at such an exciting time for the business. There is clear momentum across the company, with continued innovation throughout the product range, particularly in smart technology, and a strong platform for further growth. “It is a great opportunity to join a business that is developing so positively, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. “I’m also very aware that I am joining an established and successful sales team, built under Mike Rushen’s leadership over more than 10 years. He has clearly made a significant contribution, and I look forward to working with the team as we build on that strong foundation together.” Andy’s appointment comes as Winkhaus UK continues to focus on developing its offer across the market, combining product innovation, technical expertise and customer support to help fabricators, installers and system partners respond to changing market demands.
4
autoLock AV4 The Turning Point Against Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion causes more than frustration, it leads to operational issues, costly callbacks and disappointed end-users. autoLock AV4 is the turning point. It’s precision autoLocking system delivers consistently low operating force whatever the weather. Even as doors expand or contract, autoLock AV4 keeps working smoothly and securely where others fail. This reliability matters to everyone. Fabricators benefit from fewer returns, installers gain a solution they can fit and forget, and homeowners enjoy a door that operates with ease season after season. AV4 is not just another lock, it is the point where performance problems stop and peace of mind begins.
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People
Mike Rushen Retirement
Today we recognise and thank our Sales Director Mike Rushen as he prepares to retire from Winkhaus UK on the 2nd of April after almost 22 years with the business. Mike joined Winkhaus in 2004 as Regional Sales Manager and quickly became a trusted and respected member of the team. In 2014 he stepped into the role of Commercial Manager before being appointed Sales Director in 2019, where he has played a key role in guiding our sales team and supporting the development of the wider business. Throughout his time with Winkhaus, Mike has been known for his honesty, loyalty and strong personal integrity. He is someone who has always given his very best to the business, to his colleagues and to our customers. Those qualities, alongside his calm manner and willingness to support others, have made him widely liked and respected across the company and the wider industry. Justin Harris, Managing Director of Winkhaus UK, said: “I have had the privilege of working alongside Mike for almost 22 years. During that time we have both progressed through the business together and I have always felt strongly supported by him. I have greatly valued his insight and leadership within the Senior Leadership Team. Most importantly, Mike is a man of real integrity and fairness. I am personally grateful for his support over the years and proud to call him a friend. On behalf of all of us at
Winkhaus UK, we thank Mike for everything he has given to the business and wish him and his family every happiness in retirement.” Mike has been an integral part of the Winkhaus UK journey for many years, and he will certainly be missed by colleagues across the organisation. Happy Retirement Mike from all your colleagues here in the UK and across Winkhaus worldwide. We look forward to sharing further news on the next chapter for our sales leadership shortly, but today we simply recognise and thank Mike for his remarkable contribution
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Sponsorship
SIEGENIA Announced as Official Category Sponsor for NFA ‘New Product of the Year’
The National Fenestration Awards (NFAs) is proud to announce SIEGENIA as the official category sponsor for the highly anticipated ‘New Product of the Year’ award. While SIEGENIA is a global leader in hardware and room comfort systems, their sponsorship of this category highlights a commitment to the entire fenestration landscape. This award recognises excellence across the board—from innovative profile systems and high-performance glazing to the latest digital tools and fabrication machinery that keep the UK market moving forward. Industry Perspectives Sarah Rogers, Operations Director at the National Fenestration Awards, commented: “We are thrilled to have SIEGENIA on board as a category sponsor. The ‘New Product of the Year’ award isn’t just about one specific component; it’s a celebration of the ingenuity found in every corner of the glass and glazing industry. SIEGENIA’s involvement sends a clear message: our industry thrives on those who challenge the status quo and bring truly
transformative solutions to the market.” Claire Wainwright of SIEGENIA GROUP UK added: “Innovation is the driving force of the fenestration industry, and as a company that prides itself on forward-thinking engineering, we felt it was vital to support this category. We want to celebrate the developers and manufacturers who are pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency, security, and innovative design. Whether it’s a breakthrough in materials or a revolution in smart technology, we are excited to see the products that are shaping the future of our industry.” Celebrating Sector-Wide Excellence The National Fenestration Awards remain the only independent industry platform decided by the professionals who work within it every day. By sponsoring the New Product category, SIEGENIA is helping to foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of global fenestration standards. To find out more about the SIEGENIA, please visit their website: https://www.siegenia.com/gb
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Hardware
PAS 2000:2026 and the End of the “Frankenstein Doorset”
The publication of PAS 2000:2026 “Bringing safe construction products to market”, marks a significant shift in how construction products are assessed, specified and justified across the UK housing sector. While the Code of Practice applies to all construction products, its implications are particularly important for residential and multi-occupancy projects, where the need for demonstrable safety, compliance and accountability continues to intensify. At its core, PAS 2000 moves the industry away from assumptions and fragmented evidence towards clear, verifiable proof that products are safe for their intended use. For specifiers and responsible persons, product claims can no longer be taken at face value. Instead, performance must be supported by relevant test evidence, independently verified and directly linked to the product being installed. This is especially important for fire doorsets. These are not simply doors, but life safety systems designed to protect escape routes, contain fire and smoke, and provide occupants with time to reach safety. Yet historically, the sector has relied on a patchwork of test data, extended assessments and substituted components that do not always reflect the doorset ultimately installed. The end of derived evidence A key issue addressed by PAS 2000 is the reliance on derived evidence. This is where test data from one doorset configuration is used to justify another, despite differences in materials, construction, hardware, glazing or seals. Over time, this creates a chain of assumptions that moves further away from the original tested design. The result is what is often referred to as a “Frankenstein doorset”, a product assembled from multiple pieces of unrelated evidence, but which has never itself been tested as a complete system. While this approach has historically been supported through technical assessments or engineering judgement, PAS 2000 signals a clear change in direction. Manufacturers must now demonstrate that their products are safe for the intended application,
supported by appropriate and relevant evidence. For doorsets, this means the evidence must relate to the actual product supplied, not a theoretical combination built from historic reports. Fire, smoke and security: all must be proven Another challenge for specifiers is the tendency to treat fire resistance as the sole measure of performance. Three critical performances must be considered: • Fire resistance, the ability to contain fire for a defined period • Smoke control, preventing smoke spread into escape routes • Security performance, resistance to forced entry Each plays a vital role, particularly in residential and multi-occupancy projects. Smoke inhalation remains the leading cause of fire related fatalities. A doorset that meets fire resistance requirements but lacks verified smoke performance may fail to protect escape routes in the early stages of a fire. At the same time, security cannot be overlooked. Doorsets must protect residents from unauthorised entry, anti-social behaviour and criminal activity. A door that performs well in fire but lacks tested security performance introduces a different, but equally significant, risk. Crucially, none of these attributes should be assumed. They must be demonstrated through testing and verified by independent third parties. Asking the right questions PAS 2000 places strong emphasis on accurate product information and verifiable evidence, creating an opportunity for specifiers to strengthen procurement processes. Key questions should now include: • Has the complete doorset been tested as a system, including leaf, frame, hardware, glazing and seals? • Is there verified smoke control performance?
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• Has the doorset been tested for security performance? • Is the evidence independently certified? • Does the evidence relate directly to the doorset being specified? These are not administrative hurdles. They are fundamental to ensuring that what is installed performs as expected. Choosing a fire doorset is not simply a procurement decision, but a strategic safety choice. Implications for residential and multi-occupancy projects. For social housing providers, the implications are significant. Organisations must demonstrate compliance with fire safety legislation while maintaining accurate records under the Golden Thread. PAS 2000 supports this by driving clear, consistent and evidence based product information, enabling better decision making at specification stage and throughout the building lifecycle. It also aligns with the expectations of the Building Safety Regulator. At Gateway 2, submissions must be supported by robust, traceable and product specific evidence. PAS 2000 helps ensure that this information is verifiable and consistent across the design and supply chain, reducing the risk of delays or resubmissions. Ultimately, PAS 2000 helps move submissions from
“this should comply” to “this is proven to comply”, which is exactly what the BSR requires.
A shift towards proven performance PAS 2000 does not introduce new test standards, but it does change how evidence is expected to be used. The direction is clear: products must be specified based on tested, verified and traceable performance, not assumptions or inherited data. For residential and multi-occupancy projects, this represents a critical shift. By asking the right questions and demanding the right evidence, the industry can move away from theoretical compliance towards genuine, proven safety for residents. About Winkhaus Winkhaus is a long established manufacturer of door locking systems, window fittings and access control solutions, with a strong focus on fire doorset applications in the UK housing sector. The company offers a broad portfolio of third party certified solutions across timber and composite fire doorsets, supported by extensive test evidence covering fire resistance, smoke control and security performance. Through ongoing involvement in standards development and collaboration with certified manufacturing partners, Winkhaus supports specifiers and housing providers with evidence based solutions aligned to evolving regulatory expectations. For further information, visit www.winkhaus.co.uk
One stamp Many approvals
For further information about Winkhaus Fire, Smoke & Security Doorset Solutions, support creating your specifications or to register for our free training, please visit firetraining.winkhaus.com
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Hardware
Firemongery: The Unsung Guardian of Building Safety
Elliott Dawson, National Accounts Manager at UAP, explains why firemongery is more than a finishing touch. With scrutiny and regulations tightening, he argues that specification, installation and maintenance need to be treated as seriously as the doors themselves because firemongery is frontline safety. Firemongery rarely makes the headlines. Hinges, closers, latches and seals quietly do their work while the industry debates cladding, alarms and evacuation strategy. When a fire happens, it is often these small components that determine whether a building performs as designed by buying time, containing
smoke and keeping escape routes clear. Firemongery is the link between a tested fire door and real-world use. People do not use a fire door, they use a handle, a latch or a closer. If these components are mis-specified, poorly installed or allowed to drift out of adjustment, even the strongest door cannot do its job. Failures are rarely dramatic, but they build up over time. A closer may be disconnected for convenience, a latch replaced with something smoother but incompatible, a hinge may loosen and a seal can be painted over. Each decision may seem minor, yet together they erode the door’s ability to resist fire and smoke and often only become apparent
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when it is too late. Thinking about the door as a system A fire door is more than a slab of wood or metal. Its frame, glazing, seals, signage and hardware all need to match the test evidence, but hardware is where this thinking
often falls apart. Handles wear, closers are adjusted, cylinders are replaced and components are swapped. Without clear discipline, a doorset can appear correct but no longer reflect what was tested. The challenge for 2026 and beyond is making system integrity practical by designing out ambiguity at the specification stage, setting clear installation standards and keeping maintenance routines simple enough to actually happen without compromising safety. Specification and installation matters Good firemongery starts at specification. Hardware must be proven for the intended fire rating and door configuration, and equivalent appearance or cost is not enough. Specifiers need to understand the door’s certification route, the evidence supporting the hardware and whether it is suited to the expected usage and maintenance requirements. The cost of specifying correctly is small compared with the expense of
quick fixes that bypass test evidence. Firemongery should be treated like any life safety asset, monitored, documented and repaired properly. Recognition is overdue Firemongery is not about ticking boxes. It ensures the fire doors we rely on every day actually work when it matters. The industry has made real progress in raising awareness of fire doors, and now it is time to raise the bar on the components that make them function. Hinges, latches, closers and seals are the unsung guardians of building safety, and they deserve recognition. With the insight and experience UAP brings to the sector, the industry has the guidance it needs to get this right, and it is time we start treating these components like they matter.
remediation, disruption and reputational damage when failures are discovered. Even the right products can fail if installed poorly. Misaligned keeps, under-fixed hinges, incorrect intumescent packs and missing components all affect performance in everyday use and in a fire. Competence must go beyond a certificate. Installers need to understand why every detail matters, and firemongery should be treated as a critical trade discipline that is measured, checked, signed off and auditable. Maintenance wins or loses safety Buildings evolve, users change and doors get knocked about. Inspection and maintenance are not just admin, they are part of the fire strategy. Facilities teams need clear routines, access to the right parts and the confidence to challenge
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Hardware
VBH Joins the GGF
Hardware specialist VBH has announced that it joined the Glass & Glazing Federation at the end of March. Established in 1982, VBH is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality hardware and ancillaries for windows and doors of all materials. As well as offering its own popular greenteQ brand, the company is also a distribution partner for some of the most widely respected names in hardware. VBH Customers have access to products from AGB, Cotswold, Roto, Securistyle and Yale, amongst many others. Richard Gyde, managing director at VBH, had this to say on the decision to join the GGF; “The depth of knowledge that the GGF team has is exceptional, and is brought to the fore when representing our industry when in dialogue with outside agencies, including the Government. “The members themselves, including several of our partners and competitors, also possess vast amounts of experience and we are keen to add the insight gained over our 44 years of trading to the collective knowledge pool. “We’re very excited to join the GGF and its members at the forefront of driving and shaping standards and legislation for the benefit of the wider industry and, ultimately, consumers.”
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Windows
CO Manufacturing Appoints David Maybury to Board as Divisional Director of Clearview New Build
CO Manufacturing has appointed David Maybury to its board of directors as the Divisional Director of Clearview New Build, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of the specialist new build division. The move reflects both the scaled development of Clearview New Build over the past two years and the increasing importance of it within the wider business. Since taking on leadership of the division, David has expanded its presence across the North of England, establishing the fabricator as a leading partner with key housebuilders across the region. Backed by CO Manufacturing’s scale and production capacity, the number of live sites that Clearview New Build is working on has grown by 300% over the past 24 months. This growth has not come at the expense of on-site performance as Clearview New Build has secured six separate ‘Subcontractor of the Month’ awards in as many months, the most recent coming at the Chantry House project in the fabricator’s home city of Wakefield. Alongside driving commercial growth, David has also played a central role in developing the structure and capability of the division. Working across estimating, processing, site management and installation, he has helped establish a highly coordinated team focused on delivering consistent service to its clients. Greg Kane, CEO of CO Manufacturing, said: “David’s promotion to Divisional Director is richly deserved and reflects the exceptional progress Clearview New Build has made over the past two years. “His leadership has helped enhance the division into a trusted partner for housebuilders, delivering consistent quality on site while building a strong
and capable internal team. Clearview New Build has become respected by developers and site managers alike and their success will only drive our business forward. “David’s presence on the Board ensures that the division will play a central role in shaping the future direction of CO Manufacturing.” David Maybury added: “I’m incredibly proud of what the Clearview New Build team has achieved. The progress we’ve made over the past two years is the result of a huge amount of hard work from colleagues across estimating, processing, customer care and our installation teams on site. “My focus remains firmly on continuing to develop the division, strengthening our relationships with housebuilders and maintaining the high standards that have helped us grow.”
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Windows
CO Manufacturing Hosts Senior Leaders from Across the Sector at Annual Operations Conference
CO Manufacturing welcomed senior operational leaders from across the CO Retail Network to its annual Operations Conference, held this year at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington. The event brought together company owners, directors, and senior management from installers across the UK for a focused, peer-led day centred around operational excellence and industry best practices. Designed as a collaborative forum, the event allows attendees to openly discuss challenges and exchange tried-and-tested solutions in a non-competitive environment. Topics discussed this year reflected the complexity of modern installation and refurbishment projects, as well as upcoming changes to employment legislation and the ever-evolving role of on-site health and safety. Greg Kane, CEO of CO Manufacturing, said: “Our Operations Conference is about raising standards collectively. When experienced business owners and installation leaders come together to share insights openly, everybody benefits.
“We hold this event annually. It’s an important part of our calendar and a real value add for our Network retailers. As regulatory expectations tighten and project complexity increases, operational excellence becomes a genuine competitive advantage. “Creating space for these conversations is a vital part of how we support long-term, sustainable growth and ensure operational excellence.” By focusing on real operational detail, the Conference delivered practical takeaways that attendees can implement immediately within their own businesses Lewis Roden, owner of Mitchell Glass added: “The value of days like this is in the quality and openness of the discussion. We all share our experiences, discuss our challenges and come together to find solutions that we can act on. “Being able to compare processes across the entire installation and aftercare process with other leading businesses in the sector gives us confidence that we’re leading the way operationally.” The Annual Operations Conference forms part of CO Manufacturing’s wider commitment to supporting its retail Network beyond product supply.
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TITAN does it better: Restricts the sash. Not the possibilities.
The new TITAN 90° opening restrictor: complies with the DOEB guideline and impresses at every stage, from production to operation.
However you look at it, TITAN is one of the most successful hardware systems because every last detail is constantly being refined and improved. The fact that TITAN is now also the first system to provide an opening restrictor certified to the DOEB guideline – with a special focus on functional reliability and durability – underlines its technical edge. Easy to install, the TITAN 90° opening restrictor is the only product of its kind to provide lasting protection not only for the sash and reveal, but also for the hinge side. It does this by damping the sash, gently stopping it in the end position and safely preventing it from closing unintentionally when there is a draught. Conveni- ence and zero-maintenance operation built in as standard: how a 90° opening width translates into 100% customer satisfaction. www.siegenia.com 360° room comfort
Windows
CO Home Improvements Expands Installation Teams Amid Record Growth
CO Home Improvements is proud to announce the expansion of its installation teams, welcoming a number of experienced, time-served installers to the business as a direct result of sustained growth and continued demand for high-quality home improvement solutions. The expansion comes as the company celebrates a major milestone, achieving its highest-ever monthly installation output, upgrading almost 400 homes across its trusted portfolio of home improvement brands. In total, the teams replaced over 1,800 windows, improving over 300 homes, and enhanced a further 85 with new living spaces, including conservatories, orangeries and extensions. The work was delivered across the company’s regional brands, including Clearview Home Improvements, Orion Windows, Planet Home Improvements, West Yorkshire Windows, Yorkshire Windows and Trent Valley Windows. This achievement reflects the continued demand for quality home improvements and the dedication of CO Home Improvements’ people. Richard Ashley, Operations Director at CO Home Improvements, said: “This record month is a fantastic achievement for the whole team. It reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone across the business, as well as the trust our customers place in us to improve their homes. Demand for high-quality home improvement solutions remains strong, and we’re incredibly proud of the team’s ability to deliver consistently high standards while continuing to grow.” The milestone coincides with a period of continued investment across the business, including recruitment to strengthen installation teams, enhanced marketing activity, and ongoing improvements to the customer experience. Alongside this growth, CO Home Improvements continues to invest in the future of the industry through its extensive apprenticeship programme. Apprentices are currently being trained in roles across installation, surveying, manufacturing, administration and customer service, ensuring the next generation of
skilled professionals continues to strengthen both the company and the wider home improvement sector. Richard added: “We’re incredibly proud of the role our apprenticeship programme plays in developing the talent that supports our growth. Investing in people is essential to maintaining the high standards we set for our customers and ensuring the long-term success of the business.” CO Home Improvements has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality installations and exceptional customer service, helping homeowners improve comfort, energy efficiency and the overall value of their properties. Richard concluded: “Reaching this milestone is something we’re incredibly proud of, but we’re not standing still. We’re continuing to invest in our people, our processes and our customer experience so we can keep delivering the quality our customers expect from CO Home Improvements.” For more information about CO Home Improvements and the range of home improvement solutions available across the group’s brands, visit cohomeimprovements.co.uk.
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Windows
TWC starts 2026 with £1m Uplift as South West Homeowners Invest in Properties
Home improvements company reports 55% year-on-year surge TWC Home Improvements has reported a strong start to 2026 as homeowners across the South West invest in their properties. The Swindon-based company says it is already £1 million up year-on-year from 2025, a 55% uplift, as owners increasingly decide to improve, not move. The business has also secured a major partnership with Hillier Garden Centres, enabling the creation of two conservatory villages in Lechlade and Cheddar, with further sites expected to follow. The strong start to the year reflects TWC’s drive to improve the customer journey through increased staff training and improved communication channels, including its industry-first WhatsApp project groups that keep customers updated at every step of a build or installation. The family-run business, which specialises in high- quality windows, doors, conservatories, orangeries, extensions and porches, has also grown its team in recent months, welcoming five new starters and promoting eight employees to new roles. The company’s Living Space Department has expanded rapidly, strengthened by new specialists and leadership as demand surges. In recognition of its recent growth, TWC is also hoping for success at the national GGP Installer Awards 2026, where it is shortlisted in the Best Training or Employee Development Programme and Business Resilience categories. With more big announcements on the horizon, 2026 looks to be a standout year for the company as it eyes expansion into Devon and Cornwall. Co-Director, Joseph Heaton, said, “We are noticing a huge demand from customers across the region, many of whom are looking to boost the value of their property and create more space with bespoke additions. “With a relatively stagnant property market and a tough economy, it makes perfect sense for people to invest in their homes, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing.
“Whilst demand is the obvious driving force, our exceptional start to the year has been strengthened by our experienced sales and demonstration teams who make sure customers can make a fully-informed decision that’s right for them and their property.” Elsewhere, TWC is also putting its 30 years’ experience to good use, supporting young people into work through a partnership with The Platform Project. TWC has welcomed its first cohort through the not- for-profit’s ‘Buddy Programme’, which gives young people struggling in mainstream education the opportunity to learn firsthand from local businesses. Co-Director Andrew Hill, said, “As the business continues to grow successfully, it’s important for us to support young people within the communities in which we operate. Nurturing new talent and investing in our teams is core to our ethos at TWC – we’re all about people and building strong relationships across all aspects of the business. We’re looking forward to welcoming many more young people from The Platform Project in the future, teaching them everything from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to sales and hands-on building skills.” Based in Swindon, TWC is a GGF and Ultra installer- accredited business operating throughout the South West alongside its sister company Permaframe. Find out more by tuning into TWC’s Home Improvements Podcast.
26
Aluminium
Sheerline Glides into the Future with New Inline Patio Sheerline has unveiled its SheerGlide® Inline Patio Door featuring new technology and completing its popular residential range.
SheerGlide® delivers solutions to common issues associated with inline patios, providing an opportunity for Sheerline to showcase its latest innovations whilst renewing its commitment to making life easier for its fabricator and installer partners. In the past, it has been problematic for inline patio systems to combine thermal performance and security. Sheerline’s unique patent pending single component
interlock, TwinLock, has been developed in-house. It’s strong, slim, integrated into every door, and features a bi-directional thermal break. SheerGlide® offers U-values of 1.4 and 1.0 W/m²K respectively thanks to Sheerline’s award-winning Thermlock® technology and with a 38mm slim interlock, offers refined aesthetics. The interlock is also non-bonded to make it easier to manufacture, transport, and install. Complexity has also been an issue in the past and has been addressed in two ways. First, the number of components required
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has been reduced, and second, ready-to-fabricate kits are available for Sheerline customers and reduce the number of manufacturing processes from 119 to 40. The benefits of this for fabricators are two-fold; they can free up cash as there are zero stockholding requirements, and it enables them to speed up manufacturing. Plus, it’s available in five popular colour choices on five-day lead times. This is the first product to benefit from Sheerline’s new Quick Connect Corner, which speeds up fabrication thanks to a ‘bump stop’ that gives positive feedback during assembly. An evolution of the award-winning patented corner construction method, it reduces waste and misalignment. Roger Hartshorn, Garner Aluminium Extrusions Chairman, said: “The launch of SheerGlide® marks an important milestone both personally and professionally; it completes our residential range, and it is the first product launched under our new
Technical & Design Director, Ben Hartshorn.” Ben commented: “By launching SheerGlide®, we’re ensuring we truly offer something for every project. Patios – including our Prestige Lift & Slide – have been rising in popularity over the past few years, and this trend is unlikely to change as it offers the aesthetic people see on Grand Designs and across social media, and that’s what we’re delivering.” Contact Sheerline on 01332 978 000 or info@sheerline. com to find out more.
Awards
FDM – Training & Development Named Best Training or Employee Development Programme at the 2026 GGP Installers Awards
FDM – Training & Development (FDM), a leading fire door training provider, has won the Best training or employee development programme at the 2026 GGP Installers Awards. This is the latest in a series of achievements for FDM this year, which also won Training Provider of the Year at the 2025 Fire & Security Matters Awards and Training Company of the Year at the 2025 National Fenestration Awards. The company also recently been nominated for two Fire & Security Matters Awards 2026 demonstrating continuous commitment to excellence. FDM was founded to meet the growing need for high- quality fire door training in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, ensuring professionals across the sector have the skills and confidence to meet the evolving fire safety regulations. FDM has trained over 1,200 professionals since opening in February 2024, forging
partnerships with 60 leading industry bodies. It has also earned national recognition, winning Training Provider of the Year at the multiple awards. The GGP Installers Awards celebrate achievements, developments and innovation across the UK’s installers. The award win underlines FDM’s dedication to raising safety standards in the industry, focusing on providing holistic courses and qualifications that bridge knowledge gaps in fire door safety best practice. Nicola John, Managing Director at FDM – Training & Development, said: “Winning Best training or employee development programme at the 2026 GGP Installers Awrads proves that our work is profoundly impacting the built environment on a national scale. We’re always working to raise competency and make the industry safer for everyone, and we’re proud to have been recognised by construction experts as deserving of this prestigious award.”
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WINNER
What do FDM Offer?
In Person GQA Accredited Courses: Fire door installation course Fire door repair and maintenance course Fire door inspection training course Responsible persons course Fire door awareness course Composite fire door inspection course Fire door procurement course
Regulated Vocational Qualifications: L3 Diploma Fire door inspection qualification L3 Diploma Fire door installation qualification L2 NVQ Associated industrial services occupations passive fire protection L2 NVQ in wood occupations GQA Accredited Short Online CPD Courses: Fire door compliance & Documentation Product Identifiers labels and marks found on fire doors Fire and acoustic seals CPD Fire door awareness course Responsible persons course Preparing for inspections: tools, planning & key principles
FDM Training accademy Bury Orbital 60, Dumers Ln, Bury, BL9 9UE
info@fdmltd.co.uk
01619600139
Awards
Roger Hartshorn Recognised at GGP Installer Awards
Roger Hartshorn has won the coveted ‘Services to the Industry’ award at the GGP Installer Awards 2026, reflecting his impact and leadership during a career spanning almost 50 years. From starting out as an apprentice toolmaker at HL Plastics to leading a management buyout, launching Eurocell and then Liniar before switching to aluminium with the launch of Garnalex and the award-winning Sheerline range – there have been many milestones along the way. But it isn’t just within the industry that Roger’s achievements have been recognised. Garnalex received a King’s Award for Innovation 2025 for two aspects of its Sheerline system, including its patented corner construction method and Thermlock® technology. The judges commented: “Roger is one of the most influential figures in UK fenestration. A pioneer of forward-looking product design and long-term talent development, Roger’s legacy is embedded across the industry.” Roger said: “You won’t often see me giving speeches at conferences or events – I prefer to let our products speak for themselves, but recognition from the industry I’ve been part of for so long is hugely rewarding.” “Over the course of my career, many things have changed, but our business principles have not – our commitment to innovation, first-class service, and someone to speak to when needed. This has enabled us to become a reliable partner and created a solid foundation for the next generation of innovators and business leaders,” he added.
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SECURE PRODUCT LAUNCH
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Recruitment
REHAU: Fenestration Industry Could Do More to Showcase its Innovation and Career Opportunities
working life,” said Martin Hitchin, CEO of REHAU UK. “Students are hands-on from day one, learning how to apply engineering principles rather than just studying them in theory. That practical mindset is exactly what the fenestration industry needs but explaining that to people outside the sector is where we fall short.” Through its close links with NMITE, REHAU has seen first-hand how exposure to industry can shape career choices. Many students enter engineering degrees without a clear understanding of fenestration but once they are introduced to the sector, they can see the depth and variety of opportunities available. One such example is Dan James, a recent NMITE graduate who joined REHAU last year after completing his studies. As someone interested in hands-on engineering and problem solving, Dan was drawn to a role that allowed him to apply technical knowledge in a practical environment. “I wanted to work somewhere where I could really understand how things work, not just at a surface level,” said Dan. “At REHAU, there’s a high level of technical detail, and a real emphasis on learning and development. It’s a great fit for people like me, who enjoy understanding systems inside out.” Dan’s day-to-day role involves responding to customer technical queries, supporting complex project journeys, and assisting the technical product management team. He believes these varied responsibilities demonstrate just how diverse roles in
Recruiting skilled workers within the fenestration industry is becoming increasingly challenging and those within the sector are aware that it needs to do more to attract talent. The industry is more innovative and self-reliant than those outside of the sector give it credit for, but it must do more to highlight the breadth of innovation, technical expertise and career pathways it offers if it is to address the growing skills shortage. Fenestration is still widely overlooked by young people and those looking to change careers, who often opt for more traditional and better promoted engineering, defence and construction roles. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With the right engagement, the industry has the potential to attract a new generation of skilled professionals who are looking for hands-on, problem- solving roles that combine high levels of detail with real-world application. REHAU has been actively involved in supporting skills development through its role with the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) in Hereford. NMITE offers a practical, project-based engineering degree designed to better reflect the needs of the modern industry. “NMITE’s approach aligns closely with the reality of
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