New Website

We were supposed to have had a new website by now, but we decided to use someone who was highly unreliable. So, if you want a job doing, do it yourself. Which is exactly what I'm doing. I've started on some new cleaner layouts with fresh colours and better images. It may take a few weeks as this is the first time I've ever attempted this properly, but I will keep you all posted on my progress (frustration!).

Double Glazing In Huddersfield (Lack Of!)

It amazes me still how so many properties have their original timber or old aluminium windows and doors installed...especially in Huddersfield!

Myself and another rep travelled to Farnley Tyas, which is on the outskirts of Huddersfield, to quote for a house full of new Energy A rated windows and doors. But what surprised me was how many properties still had their original aluminium and timber windows in.

There's still plenty of work out there to be had, companies just have to go out there do the leg work and grab it.

I think some specifically targeted market will be required in Farnley Tyas in the coming weeks!

Solar Success for Double Glazing Companies?

With government initiatives being introduced to bring things like wave, wind and solar power to people's homes, double glazing companies need to latch on to the 'green wave' that's coming. The easiest option to me seems to be solar panelling.

To install solar panels to a home, you need a qualified plumber, which if you install conservatories won't (shouldn't) be a problem. Then a roofer will be required, which again most double glazing companies can get their hands on.

Installation side of things I have confidence that most double glazing companies would be able to turn their hand to it. What I don't have confidence in, is, as with when WER's came around, the up-take to diversify into this new and up-coming market will be low and the industry will again miss out on a perfect opportunity to source new revenue.

Whats In Store For 2010?

Come 2010 another shake up with Part L of Building Regs will be in force. Just as last time it created a many number of problems for a lot of the smaller companies, it may have the same effect this time round.

Of the many changes, the one that stands out to me is the change of minimum energy ratings for windows. Most know that the minimum is going up to C energy rated from E, but there are conflicting reports as to whether this applies only to new-builds or to all replacement windows.

For those who are not yet geared up to install energy rated windows, it's to be hoped that this only applies to new-builds only. If not, and it does apply to all replacement windows, it's going to put huge amounts of pressure installers who haven't made the move to energy ratings. For those manufacturers who haven't made the move it's going to be even harder, and potentially cost a huge amount of time and money, both of which most manufacturers and installers don't have.

But, it's been well publicised, I can feel an 'I told you so' coming on!

Deadly Christmas?

We've been speaking to a number of people within the industry and those ringing up looking for jobs and we're getting the same message: leads are gold dust. A salesman rang yesterday in the hope that we had a sales position available (which unfortunately we didn't) but told us that after working for three of the bigger companies in the country, leads were still very thin on the ground and that they were like gold dust.

With the months leading up to Christmas being our industry's quieter period, i can only imagine that it's going to be an almighty struggle for a lot companies to try and keep their heads above water. Expect more companies to go under.