January 2024

News Roundup
MFT STAFF CELEBRATE
LONG SERVICE RUNS
Made for Trade, now in its 40th year, says
it is proud to recognise the exceptional
dedication of its long-standing staff, with
service ranging from five to over 35 years.
Now operating across three major factory
sites, including the Korniche bi-fold door
fabrication facility at Wynyard, an increase
in staff numbers due to expansion in recent
years means Made for Trade has become a
significant employer in the region.
Made for Trade says it takes great pride in
the loyalty and commitment of its employees,
many of whom have been with the company
for several years. These remarkable individuals
have reached impressive milestones, with
some surpassing 30 years of service with the
North East manufacturing business.
In fact, a remarkable group of five employees
collectively boasts an astounding 140 years of
service with the award-winning company.
Amy Pout, Richie Bezance, Brenda Webster,
Frank Donaghy, and Kevin Southall are the
famous five, whose unwavering dedication
and remarkable achievements have made
a significant impact on Made for Trade.
Amy has devoted an impressive 21 years to
the company, while Richie has reached the
remarkable milestone of 20 years. Frank’s
dedication spans an incredible 35 years,
followed closely by Brenda’s 33 years of
service. Last but certainly not least, Kevin
Southall is celebrating an astonishing 37
years with Made for Trade.
www.madefortrade.co
STAR IS RISING FOR SHEERLINE’S BEN
Sheerline’s Ben Hartshorn was named the
fenestration industry’s newest Rising Star
after winning the coveted award at the G23
Awards at the end of November.
In a relatively short space of time, Ben has
progressed from assisting in designing and
testing prototypes in the early stages of the
product cycle, to leading product development
from the ground up, as well as managing one of
Sheerline’s key customer facing departments.
Although Ben was new to the fenestration industry
when he joined Sheerline in 2019, he took the
skills he gained during his apprenticeship and his
previous experience as a tool maker and applied
them to live projects. Not only did this help him 'hit
the ground running', but it was also beneficial to
the R&D team and business as a whole.
Ben said of his award win: “Winning this accolade
at the start of my career within the fenestration
'MAKE VOICES HEARD' ON FUTURE HOMES
Epwin Window Systems has published a guide
to the Future Homes Consultation document
to help customers navigate the detail of the
proposal – and is urging everyone in the
industry to 'make their voices heard'.
Phil Parry, Technical Director at Epwin Window
Systems, said: “Our guide explains the proposal and
the relevant factors of the report so our customers
can fully understand the detail and implications.”
The release of the consultation on the Future
Homes Standard has delivered some unexpected
developments for the industry including the
decision to retain the current notional values,
keeping them at 1.2 W/(m²K) for windows and
1.0 W/(m²K) for doors.
Phil said: “Whilst the proposal to retain the
current thermal efficiency requirements has
attracted the headlines, now is not the time
to be complacent. These proposals are in the
consultation period and everyone in the industry
needs to continue to make their voices heard. It’s
also important to remember that this is only the
For more news and the latest updates, visit www.total-installer.co.uk
Ben Hartshorn (centre) collecting his G23 award
industry reflects Sheerline’s commitment to
training and the apprenticeship process. Over
the past four years, Sheerline has given me an
opportunity to gain a vast amount of knowledge
and build contacts within the industry.
“I’d like to thank the team at Sheerline for putting
me forward for this award and the opportunities
they’ve given me so far. I look forward to the
future,” he added. www.sheerline.com
consultation document so there could still be
changes made depending on feedback.”
Phil continued: “One important change that the
consultation proposes is to remove the standard
window configuration from new building dwellings.
This means that each window’s U-value will have
to be calculated on their actual size. In other words,
even the smallest toilet window will have to comply
with the requirements, which is significant.”
The consultation closes on 6 March 2024, and
responses can be submitted online at: consult.
levellingup.gov.uk
Phil added: “We would strongly encourage
everyone in the industry to continue to make their
voices heard.” www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
12 TI JANUARY 2024 PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST