Welcome to the August edition of Fenestration Digital Magazine.
This month’s issue looks at some of the key themes shaping the industry, from sustainability and smart technology to hardware, product development and the changing expectations of homeowners. Consumer insight features strongly, with new research highlighting the importance of understanding local markets and what individual homeowners value when making purchasing decisions. Quality, security and energy efficiency continue to sit high on the list, while smart technology and alternative materials present new opportunities for installers. Sustainability is also firmly on the agenda, with Victorian Sliders increasing the recycled PVC-U content in its ECOSlide® system while continuing to focus on quality and long-term performance. Elsewhere, we explore the growing importance of hardware in creating secure, reliable and user-friendly doors, alongside the latest innovations from manufacturers across the sector. With plenty of industry news, product developments and expert insight to discover, we hope this edition gives you plenty to think about and inspires your own work within the fenestration sector.
Enjoy the read!
6
Sustainability
8
General News
14
Aluminium
20
Windows
34
Hardware
www.fenestrationdigital.co.uk
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THE EVERYDAY ONE How to create a
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On the tools with CIS deducted? This is your everyday invoice, from first tap to sent PDF.
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Your details Settings ➜ Business Details. Goes on every invoice.
UTR number Keeps CIS at 20%. No UTR means 30% off!
Day rate Settings ➜ Set Pricing. Auto- fi lls every job.
Bank details Settings ➜ Bank Details. No excuse not to pay you.
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Paid in dribs and drabs? Open the invoice and tap Record Payment . The app tracks what's left and marks it Partially Paid . !
yo ur fir s t o ne t ak e s 3 mi nute s, to ps !
cis-invoice.co.uk
VICTORIAN SLIDERS® INCREASES RECYCLED CONTENT IN ECOSLIDE® PROFILES TO 40%
Victorian Sliders®, Europe’s largest specialist manufacturer of PVCU vertical sliding sash windows, has increased the recycled PVCU content within its ECOSlide® sash window system to up to 40%, following a £250,000 investment in advanced coextrusion technology. The latest advancement builds on the company’s earlier co-extrusion developments which saw the recycled content within the ECOSlide® profile increase from 30% to 40%. Through continued investment, process optimisation, and commitment to sustainable manufacturing processes, Victorian Sliders® has taken the next step in improving material efficiency while maintaining the quality, performance and durability that is synonymous with the ECOSlide® system. Building on Sustainability Sustainability and responsible manufacturing are fundamental to how Victorian Sliders® operates. The company remains committed to continually refining its processes to ensure materials and resources are used as efficiently and responsibly as possible. Their new and improved co-extrusion process forms part of a wider strategy that is focused on reducing environmental impact through efficient use of resources, responsible material sourcing, and ongoing process development. In August of this year, Victorian Sliders® increased the recycled PVC-U content within its complete window from 30% to 40%. This is a phased approach with the increased content being rolled out in the sash profiles from now. From December, this recycled content will increase to 60% as it expands to cover the frames and cill profiles as well. Encapsulated by a durable 0.8mm layer of virgin
material, the advanced co-extrusion process ensures that the finished product delivers the same consistent appearance, quality and long-term performance as always. Reducing Waste at Scale Central to Victorian Sliders®’ sustainability strategy is their on-site recycling facility which processes both post-industrial waste and 100% of the company’s production offcuts. Through this integrated approach, materials are recovered, recycled and reintroduced back into the manufacturing cycle, helping to minimise on waste while maximising resource efficiency. To date, Victorian Sliders® has processed the equivalent of more than 30,000 tonnes of PVC-U through its recycling operations (including post- consumer waste facilitated by Victorian Sliders® to other recycling centres). To put this into context that is more than the weight of the Statue of Liberty which weighs approximately 27,000 tonnes, highlighting the scale of the company’s commitment to material recovery and reuse. Built to Last Alongside the company’s sustainability credentials, Victorian Sliders® continues to invest in the longevity and durability of their products. While
Consistent and Sustainable Performance The increase to 40% recycled PVCU marks another milestone in Victorian Sliders®’ ongoing sustainability journey. By combining advanced coextrusion technology, an integrated recycling facility and rigorous quality testing, the company continues to demonstrate that improved material efficiency can be achieved without compromising product quality, performance or reliability. For installers, specifiers, developers and homeowners alike, ECOSlide® delivers a more sustainable sash window solution that delivers the same trusted quality and performance standards Victorian Sliders® is known for. For press enquiries, images, or further information, please contact: marketing@vhwg.co.uk www.victoriansliders.co.uk
recycled PVCU retains the same core properties as virgin PVCU, the profiles are encapsulated by a durable outer layer of virgin material, providing complete reassurance in the appearance, integrity and longterm performance of the finished product. Additionally, all ECOSlide® products undergo rigorous quality testing at the company’s in- house quality testing laboratory. From weld and impact testing to thermal performance validation and weather resistance assessments, Victorian Sliders® ensures their windows are made to the highest quality. Complete Control, Consistent Quality Operating from a single 240,000 sq. ft facility, Victorian Sliders® maintains full control over every stage of its process, from recycling and extrusion to fabrication, testing, and final assembly. This “under one roof” approach enables the company to deliver: • Consistent product quality • Greater manufacturing efficiency • Reliable lead times • Enhanced quality assurance
MAKING TAX DIGITAL: TWO WEEKS TO THE 7 AUGUST DEADLINE
It is not a tax return . It is a short summary of income and expenses for 6 April to 5 July, sent straight to HMRC through recognised software. No forms, no accountant’s waiting room, no shoebox of receipts. Some report on calendar quarters instead, 1 April to 30 June. Either way the deadline is 7 August.
More than 864,000 sole traders and landlords have until 7 August 2026 to send HMRC their first quarterly update under Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. Among them are hundreds of thousands of construction subcontractors: the fitters, plasterers, sparkies, brickies and groundworkers paid under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Plenty of them have not started. With two weeks to go, the job is a lot smaller than the noise around it. With invoices and expenses to hand, a subbie can get the whole quarter into CIS Invoice and submitted in under an hour. Most will do it quicker.
“We hear the same thing on every site. The wife does my invoices at the weekend. That worked when it was once a year. It doesn’t work when HMRC wants a summary every three months. Do the invoice on the phone when you come off site and the quar- terly update builds itself. She gets her Saturdays back and you get a proper set of records.” - Paul Edwards, founder, Aper- ture Works
The first thing to know is what the update is not.
CIS Invoice, recognised by HMRC as compatible software, was built for the trade and MTD tax scheme. There is no chart of accounts, no bank reconciliation and no bookkeeping language to learn. A subbie who has never touched accounting software can send a compliant invoice within minutes of downloading it. The workflow is the one they already use. Pick the days worked, set a day rate, price or hourly rate, and the app handles the CIS deduction, 20%for registered subcontractors, and puts it plainly on the PDF the contractor gets. Come quarter end, the app has already totalled every invoice and every expense. Submitting to HMRC is a case of checking the numbers and pressing one button. Submitting costs nothing. The MTD submission is free on both tiers. Records stay on the user’s own phone and nothing passes through Aperture Works servers. Many subbies are handing the problem to an accountant or a bookkeeper. That is a fair choice, but it is not a shortcut. The accountant still cannot file anything without the underlying records, and most are taking the client on for the year rather than fixing a single quarter.
Full HMRC release: gov.uk/government/news/ deadline-approaches-for-first-making-tax-digital- quarterly-update
“There’s a lot of worry about this and most of it is premature. There’s no fine this year. What has actually changed is that the records have to exist from now on. And nobody is going to learn an accounts package in a fortnight. The big packages are built for businesses with a bookkeeper. This one is built for a fitter with a phone and a day rate.” - Paul Edwards, founder, Aper- ture Works
Not signed up yet?
Anyone with combined qualifying income over £50,000 from self-employment and property who has not yet signed up can still do so on GOV.UK: gov.uk/guidance/ sign-up-for-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax CIS Invoice links straight to the sign-up page from inside the app, then walks users through connecting to HMRC with their Government Gateway login and National Insurance number.
What HMRC has said about penalties
The 7 August deadline is only the start
HMRC has confirmed that NO penalty points will be issued for late quarterly updates during the first year of MTD for Income Tax. Penalties still apply for late Self-Assessment returns and late payments. From year two, a points-based system starts. One point per missed quarterly deadline, and a £200 fixed penalty once four points build up. Points expire after a period of compliance. So, there is no fine for a late first update. But the quarterly update does not replace the annual tax return, which is still due by 31 January.
MTD extends to those earning more than £30,000 from April 2027, and more than £20,000 from April 2028. That pulls in a far larger share of the UK’s self-employed construction workforce. If you can send an invoice, you can send a quarterly update. CIS Invoice is free to download. Search “CIS Invoice” on the App Store or Google Play. Or following the link from our website cis-invoice. co.uk
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KEYSTONE’S LATEST CONSUMER FENESTRATION REPORT HIGHLIGHTS TIMBER, SMART TECHNOLOGY AND REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The latest UK Consumer Fenestration Trends Report has been released, providing fresh insight into homeowner preferences, priorities and purchasing behaviour across the UK windows, doors and roof glazing market. This edition places particular emphasis on a number of areas where a deeper understanding of consumers can create new opportunities for manufacturers and installers. Following the strong reception to the previous report’s analysis of aluminium-preferring consumers, this edition includes a detailed look at timber-preferring homeowners, revealing a distinct group that places more importance on quality, security, style and craftsmanship, along with higher project budgets across many areas of home improvement. The report also revisits smart home technology, exploring updated attitudes towards the functionalities consumers value, barriers to wider adoption and potential market size. Security remains the strongest area of interest, while cost, reliability and complexity continue to limit take-up. A further feature is the regional preference analysis, highlighting significant local differences across materials, window and door styles, colours, glazing and purchasing priorities. The findings provide installers with practical insight into what matters most to homeowners in their local markets, helping them tailor product recommendations and marketing messages to
build greater trust and relevance.
Charlotte Hawkes, Director at Keystone Market Research, said: “This latest report demonstrates that real opportunities lie in understanding the differences between consumer groups and local markets. The decision to look at timber-preferring homeowners follows the very positive response to our aluminium analysis, and we have again identified a group with clear characteristics that businesses can use to refine their approach. “The regional analysis is particularly valuable for installers. Understanding what matters locally allows them to demonstrate that they understand their customers, build trust and make their product and service proposition more relevant.
“With just 7% of homeowners saying salespeople
Report and Webinar The next Consumer Trends webinar takes place at 10am on 2 September, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the latest findings and take part in a Q&A focused on the issues that matter most to their businesses. Customers of our sponsors, Business Pilot, Endurance Doors, Epwin Window Systems, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), Liniar and VEKA, can access both the report and webinar for free. We thank them for their continued support in making this research possible. For more information, to register for the webinar, access the latest report, or find out about sponsorship and annual subscriptions, visit www. keystonemr.co.uk.
addressed what mattered most to them very well during their last window purchase, yet 53% saying they would spend more with companies that demonstrated a clear understanding of their needs, there is clear room for improvement. Our Consumer Fenestration Trends Reports are designed to help the industry close that gap.” Alongside these special features, the report confirms continuing market trends, with quality, security and energy efficiency remaining the leading homeowner priorities. uPVC continues to dominate material preferences, while traditional casement windows, sliding patio doors and triple glazing retain strong consumer interest. The latest results also indicate greater confidence in home improvement investment, with more homeowners planning to increase their spending than reduce it during the remainder of the year.
SHEERLINE’S AWARD-WINNING S1 LANTERN TURNS FIVE
Sheerline has launched a new campaign to celebrate five years of its award-winning S1 aluminium roof lantern. S1: Still Unmatched highlights the features that have enabled the lantern to stand out in what is an increasingly popular (and crowded) product category. Built from the ground up, the S1 was developed to overcome legacy issues – security, aesthetics, and thermal performance – within the roof lantern market. The experienced R&D team created forward- thinking solutions that are as relevant today as when they were launched, adding to the S1’s longevity. For example, although new updates have been released over the past five years, the chassis and main components have fundamentally remained the same. Another area where things have remained the same is the sleek aesthetics, which have inspired change across the industry. Notable updates include the three-way option for larger spans and SheerVent®. As the only flush ventilation system on the market, SheerVent® demonstrates what can be achieved when applying design principles to a practical solution. Additionally, it shows how the team have been able to further enhance the S1 by offering practical solutions with tangible benefits for homeowners, fabricators, and installers. In line with updates to
Part O and F, ventilation is becoming an increasingly important topic. The campaign will be broken down into different themes each month to spotlight a key feature. This will provide an opportunity to explore the topic in depth and explain the key benefits for different customers. Lee Renshaw, Sheerline’s Marketing Director, commented: “Most systems houses have a lantern, which reflects the growth in demand for this kind of product. For example, we know many homeowners are opting to renovate instead of moving, so a single storey extension with a roof lantern is a great way to extend an existing space without compromising on natural light.” “But the S1 isn’t just a roof lantern. It offers solutions to longstanding challenges. It has redefined what a lantern could, and I’d argue, should, do. It combines the refined aesthetics homeowners love with an abundance of practical features,” he added. Running until early 2027, the campaign is aimed at both fabricator and installer partners, with all customers having the opportunity to get involved. Later in the year, a competition will be launched encouraging installers to showcase their S1 projects.
More information can be found online: www.sheerline.com/s1-still-unmatched
SHEERLINE ADDS WEATHER TESTING RIG TO MANUFACTURING SITE
Sheerline has announced the addition of a weather testing rig manufactured by K Schulten Fenstertechnik at its facility in Derbyshire. At 3m by 3m, the rig generates forces far beyond what is typical of the UK’s weather, and tests air and water tightness, and pressure deflection. This means it can be used to assess a range of products including windows, doors and commercial systems for numerous applications and installations. The Sheerline team have now been fully-trained on the rig and are already utilising it. Whilst it will be of benefit to the in-house Research & Development team, it will also positively impact the wider company and its customers. For example, the R&D team can now test all current products on-site to make enhancements in line with Sheerline’s commitment to continuous improvement. It also provides the option to test more broadly, for instance, different types of hardware on different products. The benefits of this are two-fold; not only will it speed up the product development process, but it will also speed up the product approval process. Whilst the results will be treated as indicative, it will reduce the reliance on third-party test houses
during the development phase.
Many in the industry will be familiar with the limitations of working with third-parties for testing as there is often a lengthy process to go through, a substantial cost involved, and the testing itself can be time-intensive in an unfamiliar (off-site) setting. Additionally, having the rig in-house will add another layer of transparency, giving Sheerline customers confidence in the products they are selling. Ross Hartshorn, Sheerline’s Managing Director, commented: “This is a fantastic piece of equipment for a company that thrives on product development.” “Over the past six years, we’ve been able to launch so many products because we’re an independent systems house. Research and development that ultimately leads to new products and product enhancements is a key priority, and this isn’t going to change. This new rig will enable us to maintain this pace and our competitive advantage,” he added. To speak to a member of the team about the rig, email info@sheerline.com.
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As England and Wales endure red extreme heat warnings this June and July, REHAU is urging housebuilders, developers, and specifiers to rethink the role of the window in keeping homes cool. The window solutions specialist argues that overheating, energy efficiency, and natural light have become competing design problems on the modern home, and that meeting all three within a single product is now one of the most important decisions in any build. REHAU’s message is that these demands are best solved by working with the system manufacturer and fabricator from the outset, rather than treating the window as an off- the-shelf product. Mark Gajda, Head of Technical Services & Certification Manager at REHAU, said: “This is where the challenge really lies. A window as designed needs to do multiple jobs at once, which often seem to be in direct competition. Approved Document L wants to keep heat in, whereas Approved Document O wants to limit excess heat build-up by means of ensuring ability to release any excess heat. At the same time, homeowners and designers rightly want plenty of natural light, which usually means more glazing, not less, all to be achieved whilst specifying within the requirements of the appropriate Approved Documents. Balancing all of that within window designs is a real technical challenge.” The warning comes as recently published English Housing Survey (EHS) figures show that throughout 2024, approximately three million homes were reported as overheating, making up 13% of owner-occupied dwellings and 11% of both private and social rented dwellings. This marks a rise of 5% of total occupied dwellings in the last OVERHEATING IN HOMES: REHAU SAYS WINDOWS CAN NO LONGER BE AN AFTERTHOUGHT
five years, from 7% in 2019 to 12% in 2024. [1] Since June 2022, Approved Document O of the Building Regulations has required new residential buildings in England to limit unwanted solar gain and provide adequate means of removing excess heat, sitting alongside Approved Document L, with guidance on energy efficiency including glazed elements. Together, the two place demands on the modern home that can appear to pull in opposite directions. For REHAU, the answer lies in considering these factors together rather than in isolation. Larger areas of glazing bring in the daylight that makes a home feel spacious and supports wellbeing but can also increase solar gain. Sealing a building tightly for improved energy efficiency raises thermal performance, yet without adequate ventilation, it can often trap heat. At the King Street West project in Stockport, a £14.5 million contract for 73 apartments, REHAU’s technical team was consulted to address the results of an overheating report. The report revealed the need for multiple different windows within a single apartment to balance solar gain and heat loss. This challenge highlights the importance of consulting system providers early in the design phase. “When working with the system designer and fabricator at specification stage, you can address all of these requirements within one product, rather than adding in compromises later,” Mark continued. “The point is that these are not separate problems to be traded off against one another. Working together at design stage means the window system can be curated for a specific location, project, building orientation or site requirements, ensuring compliance to the correct Building Regulation in terms of both solar and thermal target values together with other onsite requirements such as safety, excess noise levels and ventilation.” As the climate continues to shift, REHAU believes that this integrated approach will become the norm rather than the exception, and that getting windows right means starting the conversation with the people who make them. Find out more about REHAU Window Solutions.
VICTORIAN SLIDERS®’ JASON POWELL APPOINTED VICE CHAIR OF GGF WALES
Victorian Sliders® is proud to announce that our Operations Director, Jason Powell, has been officially appointed Vice Chair of the newly established Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) Wales region. The appointment was confirmed at the official launch of GGF Wales, which was held on 7 July 2026 at the Elephant & Castle Hotel in Newtown, Powys, where GGF members, industry representatives and Federation staff came together to mark the creation of a dedicated Welsh region. The launch represents a significant step forward for the glass and glazing industry in Wales, bringing businesses from North and South Wales together under one regional structure. The new region has been established to ensure Welsh members receive recognition, support and industry advocacy. Commenting on his appointment, Jason said:
As Vice Chair, Jason will work alongside Chair, Alan Swift of Conwy Valley Windows, to support the development of GGF Wales, helping to strengthen industry relationships, encourage greater collaboration between members and champion the interests of the Welsh glass and glazing sector. Demonstrating Victorian Sliders®’ commitment to the success of the new region, Jason has also offered to host the first GGF Wales regional meeting at our headquarters in Ammanford later this year. The meeting will provide members with the opportunity to tour the facility, share best practice and further strengthen industry connections. Jason’s appointment also reflects Victorian Sliders®’ ongoing commitment to supporting the wider glazing industry and playing an active role in the future growth and success of businesses across Wales.
“I am delighted to have been ap- pointed Vice Chair of GGF Wales. It is an exciting opportunity to help strengthen the industry across Wales and ensure Welsh businesses are well represented and supported. “The launch of a dedicated Welsh region reflects the importance of our industry in Wales, and I look forward to working with Alan Swift, the GGF team and fellow members to support growth, collaboration and engagement throughout the region.”
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VICTORIAN SLIDERS® LAUNCH ECOSELECT: WHERE SMART MEETS SASH
move directly through to placing an order at a time that suits you. Available across desktop, tablet and mobile devices, ECOSelect works both online and offline, giving our customers the flexibility to quote and order whether they’re in the office, on site or working remotely. Designed with simplicity at its core, the platform combines intelligent product configuration with clear navigation and a responsive interface to create a seamless user experience. Whether you’re pricing a single project or managing multiple enquiries, ECOSelect helps you work more efficiently while maintaining complete confidence in your order. Beyond quoting and ordering, ECOSelect provides a dedicated user dashboard, giving customers access to key account information, order tracking and valuable business metrics in one convenient place. By bringing these tools together, the platform provides greater visibility and control over day to day operations. For us ECOSelect is more than an online ordering and quoting system. It’s an investment in technology that helps our customers work on their terms, while strengthening the partnership between Victorian Sliders® and the businesses we support every day.
At Victorian Sliders®, we’re proud to introduce ECOSelect, our brand-new online ordering application, created by our team in partnership with specialist third party developers to provide our customers with a smarter, faster and more flexible way to do business with us. Purpose-built for the trade, ECOSelect has been designed using extensive customer feedback and real-world insight to create a platform that fits around the way our customers work. From the very beginning, our focus has been on delivering a simple, intuitive solution that makes quoting and ordering quicker, easier and more accessible. One of the biggest frustrations for busy trade professionals is waiting for quotations or having to work around office hours. With ECOSelect, instant quotations are available whenever you’re ready, allowing you to configure products and
ECOSelect is available to both new and existing
customers who would like to take advantage of a digital ordering experience. However, for those who prefer to continue working with our experienced internal sales team, nothing changes. We remain committed to delivering the same exceptional levels of service and support that have defined Victorian Sliders® for more than 20 years. This launch reflects our ongoing commitment to combining innovation with the heritage, craftsmanship and quality that defines Victorian
feedback, built in collaboration with trusted third party developers and designed by our team to make doing business with us easier than ever. - Susan Davies, Head of Sales Operations
This is where smart meets sash.
We’re excited to put ECOSelect into our customers hands and look forward to continuing to evolve the platform alongside the people who use it.
Sliders® and ECOSlide® Sash Windows. ECOSelect has been shaped by customer
For more information, please contact our marketing team at marketing@vhwg.co.uk
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VICTORIAN SLIDERS® BECOMES A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE WOMEN IN FENESTRATION NETWORK
We’re proud to announce that Victorian Sliders® has joined the Women in Fenestration Network (WFN) as one of seven founding members, supporting a new industry initiative dedicated to championing, connecting and empowering women across the fenestration sector. It’s no secret that the fenestration industry has historically been a male-dominated field, but women across the world are contributing to the industry at every level, from manufacturing and operations to executive and technical roles. The WFN has been established to recognise these contributions and help create opportunities for women to enter, develop and thrive within the industry. At Victorian Sliders®, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to creating an environment where our employees feel valued, respected and empowered to succeed. Today, women make up more than 30% of our workforce, contributing across the business in roles ranging from production, glass and extrusion operations to sales and senior leadership positions. Joining the WFN as a founding member reflects our belief that a diverse workforce drives innovation, strengthens businesses and helps shape a more representative industry. By supporting the network from its inception, we aim to help promote greater visibility, collaboration and professional development opportunities for women throughout the fenestration community. The Women in Fenestration Network provides an invaluable platform for networking, mentoring, knowledge sharing and career development, while raising awareness of the vital contribution women make to the sector. Through the collective efforts of its members, the organisation aims to inspire positive, long-term change across the industry.
Victorian Sliders® is proud to support the network’s mission and play its part in building a more inclusive future for fenestration. Heather Guitar, Head of Marketing at Victorian Sliders®, said: “We are delighted to become one of the Women in Fenestration Network’s seven Founding Corporate Members. At Victorian Sliders®, we see first-hand the valuable contributions women make across every area of our business, and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone has the same opportunity to develop and succeed. The WFN is a fantastic initiative that will help connect women across the industry, facilitate the sharing of experiences and support professional development. We want to be part of creating those opportunities and driving meaningful change across the sector.”
Women in Fenestration Network: www.womeninfenestration.co.uk
WINDOW FITTERS NAMED THE TRADE SET TO BENEFIT MOST FROM LABOUR’S LATEST 1.5M HOMES PLEDGE
With the Labour government’s commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to surge. However, industry leaders have warned the workforce is already falling short, estimating the construction sector will need an additional 239,300 workers by 2029 to meet the target. As demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply, some trades are already seeing the benefits. Window fitters rank the trade best placed to gain from the housebuilding boom, but which other trades are set to benefit as Labour’s building programme gathers pace?
To find out, the experts at Capital on Tap analysed how average day rates for skilled tradespeople have changed between 2023 and 2026, revealing which roles have seen the fastest pay growth, and which are best positioned to benefit as the UK’s housebuilding programme gathers pace. You can view the full study here: www.capitalontap. com/en/blog/posts/the-2026-uk-trade-report Window fitters named the trade set to benefit most from Labour’s latest 1.5M homes pledge
Rank Trade
Hourly Rate 2023 Hourly Rate 2026 Rate increase %
1
Window Fitter
£27
£31
17%
2
Fencer
£27
£30
9%
3
Landscaper
£28
£30
8%
4 Plumber
£39
£42
7%
=4 Plasterer
£23
£25
7%
5
Tiler
£25
£26
6%
6
Heating Engineer
£41
£43
5%
=6 Bathroom Fitter
£39
£41
5%
7
Roofer
£28
£29
3%
=7 Kitchen Fitter
£27
£28
3%
Window fitters have seen the biggest increase in earnings of any trade analysed, with average hourly rates rising 17% , from £27 in 2023 to £31 in 2026 . With every new home requiring windows and glazing, demand for experienced window fitters is expected to remain strong as Labour’s housebuilding programme gathers pace. Fencers rank second, recording a 9% increase in hourly rates over the past three years, rising from £27 to £30 per hour . As new housing developments require boundary fencing,
gates and outdoor infrastructure, the trade is well positioned to benefit from the continued expansion of residential construction. Heating engineers are among the UK’s best-paid trades, with hourly rates rising 5% from £41 in 2023 to £43 in 2026. The trade could benefit further as searches for “air conditioning” have surged by 309%, driven by rising temperatures and renewed debate after the Liberal Democrats called for every new UK home to include air conditioning in recent news.
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GQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in associated industrial services occupations (construction) Passive Fire Protection V2
fdm.info@allegion.com 01619600139 FDM Training accademy Bury Orbital 60, Dumers Ln, Bury, BL9 9UE
LETTERPLATES – TAKE YOUR PICK
Hardware expert VBH prides itself on being a one stop shop for busy buyers at door manufacturers. To illustrate this, the team at VBH advises that the company offers no less than eight different letterplate options, four of which are part of VBH’s own greenteQ hardware range, incorporating architeQ stainless steel products. Gary Gleeson, VBH marketing manager says “Most front doors still feature letterplates, so it’s important that our customers can source a product that suits the door that it’s being fitted to, and the environment around it. “That’s why we offer a letterplate for all tastes and applications, including the architeQ Coastline stainless steel product for challenging environments and our standard greenteQ Omega product in both Classic and Contemporary designs. “The very popular fourth member of the greenteQ letterplate family is the Omega Slim, which is designed specifically for doors with
a slim mid-rail, although it can be fitted to composite doors to provide ‘less furniture - more door’.” Omega Slim measures just 56mm high to allow fitting to slim profiles and is telescopic to suit systems ranging from 40 – 70mm thick. Its flaps open to 180° both inside and out, and it is available in nine colours of the greenteQ Suite. Weather tightness is ensured by brush and foam seals, and all colours are supplied with a 20- year surface guarantee and 10-year mechanical guarantee. Gary concludes, “Omega Slim is available from stock at VBH now and can be ordered via our VBH24 customer portal or directly with our helpful Customer Service team.”. For more information on the VBH letterplate range or any other hardware elements, contact VBH direct on 01634 263263 or email them at sales@vbhgb.com.
Proud sponsor of the NFA26
Keeping people safe and secure where they live, learn, work and connect. Allegion brings together experts dedicated to pioneering safety through a trusted family of brands that deliver precision-engineered solutions to protect people and property.
Our family of brands include:
TOTAL70: Total performance & security REHAU’s TOTAL70 window and door system can achieve a U-Value of 0.8W/m 2 K with triple glazed units. The TOTAL70 system is certified under the BSI Kitemark license, for the highest weather performance according to BS 6375-1, 2 & 3 and enhanced security PAS24, whilst also being accredited by Secured by Design.
Windows. Reinvented for modern life. window.rehau.uk enquiries@rehau.com Tel: 01989 762600
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MORE THAN A DOOR: WHY THE HARDWARE CONVERSATION MATTERS
The real value of a door is experienced every day.
How fabricators and installers can differentiate through security, useability, and smart technology. The door industry has become increasingly focused on aesthetics. Design colour, glazing and furniture continue to evolve, but too many doors are still sold with little consideration for the hardware that ultimately defines performance, security, usability, and satisfaction. This offers fabricators and installers a significant opportunity. In a market where doors are increasingly similar, standing out is becoming harder to achieve. Homeowners may choose a door based on looks, but they judge a door by how it performs everyday When a door becomes difficult to operate, smart devices fail to perform as expected, or callback’s increase due to alignment issues, it isn’t the colour or glazing that’s questioned. It is the hardware.
When the door closes smoothly. When the homeowner doesn’t have to lift, push, or pull the door just to lock it. When it operates reliably through seasonal movement and changing temperatures. When it reassures the homeowner that their home is secure That’s why it is time to change the conversation. For decades, hardware has been treated as a collection of components, selected individually, and expected to work together later, combined without fully considering how they operate as a complete system. The result is higher operating forces, reduced reliability, increased strain on smart devices, and an increase in call backs. Within Crafted Synergy, low force operation is not just a technical feature, it’s a foundation on which the entire ecosystem is built. Lower operating forces improve usability, reduce adjustment callbacks, place less strain on smart devices, and help deliver the
smooth, consistent experience that customers expect from a premium doorset. Smart technology has struggled to gain wider adoption across the door industry because most solutions are not designed around the locking systems they are expected to operate. When they are added onto a lock, they are not designed to drive, they are harder to calibrate, the motor has to work harder, battery life is reduced, and any movement
in the door makes opening more difficult. Instead of improving the homeowner
smart lock conversation. Polaris is not simply a smart lock bolted to a door. It works with Winkhaus multi-point locking systems, cylinders, and security hardware. Configured for autoLock AV4, AV4 Heritage, and Thunderbolt locking solutions, Polaris delivers smart control to the proven mechanical security at the heart of the doorset. Compatibility is important. Because Polaris is designed around the lock, it is calibrated through the Polaris App in a simple two or three step process, ensuring a smoother and more reliable operation from the start, reducing complexity, and adding smart functionality without layers of complication. Battery performance is also important. Concerns around smart door technology often stem from device performance over time, especially when operating a multi-point locking system. As part of our cycle testing, the Polaris Smart Lock achieved up to nine months’ battery life with AV4, up to 12
experience, smart technology risks damaging credibility and increasing callback for fabricators Fabricators need confidence that the smart solution they offer will work reliably in real homes. Installers need products that are straightforward to fit and support. Homeowners need smart functionality that feels simple, secure, and dependable. Crafted Synergy is Winkhaus’ response to that challenge. Designed Together. Tested Together. Specified Together. Crafted Synergy is a system level response to that challenge, engineered as a coordinated ecosystem. The lock, cylinder, security protection, and smart technology are designed to work together, improving usability, security, smart functionality reliability. This is where Polaris changes the
months with Thunderbolt, and 12 months for the Polaris Smart Sensor and Remote Fob*. Security Has Changed Homeowners want security solutions that protect against both physical and digital threats. As connected devices become more common, compliance can no longer focus solely on the mechanical lock. Crafted Synergy is designed with evolving security standards in mind, tested against PAS 24:2022 + A1:2024 enhanced security and IASME Level 1 and Level 2 testing requirements for IoT security, for greater confidence that the whole system has is secure a physical and digital security perspective. The mechanical foundation is just as important. Crafted Synergy uses the award winning autoLock AV4, AV4 Heritage, or Thunderbolt multi-point locking solutions, with the XR6 1-Star cylinder and either the 2-Star armorShield handle or escutcheon to create a robust 3-Star security
solution. This layered approach provides the best protection for cylinder, strengthens the doorset, and gives fabricators a clear security story to take to market. Homeowners’ expectations place quality, security, and performance, at the top of their priority list, yet much of the industry still tries to differentiate through colour, design and glazing, Crafted Synergy allows fabricators to align their offer with what homeowners’ value most. Homeowner benefits are straightforward. Lock and unlock the door using the Polaris App, Fob, or a key, live visibility of whether the door is closed and locked in the app and control from anywhere when paired with the Polaris Wi-Fi Bridge. Crafted Synergy helps move the sales conversation away from cosmetic features and towards engineered security performance, usability, compliance confidence, and smart functionality. It gives fabricators a way to explain why one doorset is different from another, and why the value inside
the door matters, and delivers real lifestyle benefits for users. Support beyond the product itself. Launching a new product is about more than supplying outstanding hardware. Winkhaus has developed a range of marketing assets to help fabricators and installers introduce Crafted Synergy to their own customers. This includes how to guides, videos, images, graphics, showroom materials, short animations, and digital content that can be used to explain the system clearly and confidently, support the sales journey, reduce homeowner queries, and showcase the benefits of the system in practical, everyday terms. This is where Crafted Synergy can help fabricators sell more than a door. It gives them a stronger reason to lead with the hardware, not hide it. It helps them talk about the experience behind the door: how it locks, how it feels, how it protects, how it supports smart
access, and how it gives homeowners reassurance in real life. Today’s customers are not only buying a product. They are buying confidence. They want a door that not only looks great, but they one that is secure, works smoothly, and fits the way they live. It gives fabricators the tools to change the narrative, strengthen the value of their offer, and sell more than a door. The future of door security is not about bolting smart technology to a door. It is about designing and engineering every component around a shared purpose. One ecosystem. Working in harmony. To find out more about how Crafted Synergy can help you to sell more doors visit www.winkhaus.co.uk/en/crafted-synergy to book a demo.
*Based on 13.6 uses per day in ambient temperatures.
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We are manufacturers of quality PVCu & Aluminium Windows, Doors and Conservatories.
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Fabricator / Manufacturer Of The Year
Crafted Synergy
Time to sell more than a door
Supporting the industry’s move from selling doors on appearance to selling doors on performance, useability, security, and smart living.
Helping fabricators and installers to stand out, deliver more value per doorset and create compelling reasons to buy.
Find out more
winkhaus.co.uk
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