January 2024

News Roundup
LOW-PAY PERCEPTION
ADDING TO SKILLS GAP
The prospects and earning potential of
trades jobs such as glaziers, carpenters
and plumbers is misunderstood by
Generation Z, a new survey commissioned
by Checkatrade has revealed.
The Gen Z Trade Pulse report highlights
how young people feel about the trades and
construction industry, as well as their views
as to why they may or may not choose it as
a career.
Launched as part of Get In, a campaign looking
to encourage more young people into trades
careers, the report’s findings are important as
the sector is facing a huge skills gap.
The survey of people aged between 14-25
revealed that the most important factors to
them in considering a career in the trades are
choosing their own hours, having more money,
running their own business and being able to
earn additional income outside of normal work.
But it also uncovered a major
misunderstanding in their perception of trade
salaries, with the majority predicting that
traditional trades earnings were in line with the
national average. In fact, of the 11 traditional
trade professions, 7 boast an average income
surpassing it. More interestingly, all the 11
traditional trade professions offer the potential
for six figure salaries when self-employed or
by setting up a business.
Melanie Waters, Managing Director of Get In
and Trade-Up, said: “Our survey has made
clear that many young people are unaware
of the income tradespeople take home, and
with good pay being one of the main draws
to trade careers, it’s important we change
young people’s perceptions urgently.
“These perceptions are contributing to a skills
gap which is already having a detrimental
effect on the industry, so it must be corrected
to encourage young people to consider a career
in one of these exciting, secure jobs.”
www.aboutapprenticeships.com/get-in/
BDC ALUMINIUM IS ACQUIRED BY ROCAL
Rocal Endurance Holdings has solidified
its market presence through the strategic
acquisition of BDC Aluminium for an
undisclosed sum.
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Witham,
Essex, BDC Aluminium is a fabricator of premium
aluminium windows and doors catering to both
domestic and commercial markets, predominantly
in the south of England.
The company's product range, encompasses
bi-folding doors, sliding patio doors, internal
screens, curtain walling, and facades.
Stephen Nadin, Managing Director at Rocal, said:
“We are thrilled to integrate the capabilities and
expertise of BDC Aluminium into our existing
portfolio. BDC Aluminium is a robust and
profitable operation, and we plan to nurture and
invest in its growth from its Witham base in the
South East.
'A BANK OF SUPPORT' IN CHALLENGING TIMES
FENSA says it understands
the impact of wider market
changes on local installers
and has created 'a bank
of support', in response,
including a guide on ‘How to
become a sole trader’.
“The window and door
industries are unfortunately
feeling the impact of
government uncertainty,
rising inflation, and increased interest rates,”
explained Lis Clarke, Operations Director for FENSA,
“directly after a period of booming sales that
were almost difficult to fulfil. The volatile nature
of these changes makes it hard for businesses to
keep up and as we have seen in the last couple of
months, a couple of big names in the sector have
been forced to close their doors as a result. One of
which, [was] industry giant Safestyle.
“Whether or not installers have been directly
affected by the closure of Safestyle or any other
supplier to whom they subcontract, uncertainty
For more news and the latest updates, visit www.total-installer.co.uk
The Rocal Endurance production site in Brigg, North Lincs
“Our goal is to leverage our extensive knowledge
of consumer marketing to propel the business
forward, generating leads and creating
substantial sales opportunities for our nationwide
network of installer partners.”
David Green, Managing Director at BDC
Aluminium, said: “After investing considerable
effort in building BDC Aluminium, it was crucial
for me to entrust the company to a reputable
business. Rocal Endurance perfectly aligns with
this requirement." www.rocal.co.uk
can highlight the need for change.
One of these changes may be to
set up as a sole trader for more
autonomy. But the thought of going
solo and being your own boss can
be daunting. That is why we have
produced a comprehensive guide
to becoming a sole trader. The guide
covers everything including the first
steps to take to become a sole trader,
employing people, how to manage your
taxes, what the risks are, insurance
considerations, and how to manage your finances.”
As well as the launch of the new guide, FENSA
is also supporting installers with practical help
such as dedicated staff to deal with all Safestyle
insurance claims for Installsure, and dedicated
S75 reports produced by RISA for homeowners
with a unique webpage for them to book in.
The company says it has also made Mandatory
Technical Competency (MTC) provisions for the
installers that now need to update their details on
an MTC card or certificate. www.fensa.org.uk
10 TI JANUARY 2024 PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST