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Tony Lloyd on Sky Sports

2/6/2012

Leading Swish sponsored disabled golfer, Tony Lloyd, featured heavily in Sky Sports’ coverage of the Disabled British Open.

Tony, who has been supported by Swish for 3 years now, is focusing his attention on his planned European campaign in 2012. His plans currently include the EDGA European Championships in Denmark in September and the French Open near Paris in October.

You can view Tony’s Sky Sports appearances on You Tube.

To find out more about Tony and the support he receives from Swish visit his website.

Two new installers join network

1/27/2012

Swish is pleased to welcome two new installers into the Authorised Installer Scheme.

Clydach Glass and Glazing, based near Swansea, are a family owned firm with over 25 years experience in the UPVC windows and doors industry.

React 4U Ltd is time based near Tamworth. Company owner Barry Parker has a wealth of knowledge gained from many years in the manufacturing and installation of Swish windows.

To check whether your installer is an Authorised Installer use our simple tool to identify all installers in your area.

Epwin Group and Latium merge

1/19/2012

The Epwin Group and Latium have merged with immediate effect [17/1/12] to create a significant and diverse new UK building products group.

Including established Epwin brands, Profile 22, Swish Window and Door Systems, Swish Building Products and Sierra amongst others, alongside Latium companies Spectus, Kestrel-BCE and glass processing business CET - the agreement creates a new group with a combined turnover in excess of £275m.

With more than 2,500 employees, the company, Epwin Holdings, will be led by a new senior board chaired by Epwin Group founder Jim Rawson and including Latium owner, Brian Kennedy, the existing shareholders.

Jim Rawson, chairman, Epwin Holdings, said: “This is a major opportunity for the UK building products industry. In bringing together many of its leading businesses, in a British run, British owned group, we have the resource to invest in individual brands, product innovation and service, grow our business and most importantly, support our customers across sectors in doing the same.

He added: “We don’t expect any significant changes to the operational structure of Group businesses in the medium term – this is very much business as usual for customers, employees and suppliers.”

The Epwin Group was founded by Rawson in 1976. Floated on the Stock Exchange in 1987, it was brought back into private ownership in 2000. More than a decade on, it continues to deliver a lead in technology and sustainable innovation to the UK building product industry.

Latium companies, owned by entrepreneur and investor Brian Kennedy were acquired, in part, from Heywood Williams in 2005.

Funding for the merged group has been provided exclusively by Barclays Corporate, Bristol. Brian Kennedy, said: “There is a very strong commercial fit between Latium and Epwin businesses and the merger creates tremendous new opportunities for both employees, customers and suppliers.

“It has both the stability and financial resource to see out challenges and to secure new opportunities, something which we are confident will deliver advantages for not just its member businesses but customers and the building products industry more broadly.”

For further information visit The Epwin website.

Want to find out more about Triple Glazing?

1/5/2012

If you’re interested in finding out more about Triple Glazing you can now download our new Triple Glazing flyer. Triple Glazing offers increased security, thermal efficiency and acoustic performance whilst still maintaining the attractive slim line appearance of the Swish Twentyfour-seven system.

If you’re trying to maximise thermal performance then Triple Glazing allows you to achieve a U-value of just 0.8 with standard specification glass.You can find the leaflet on our Downloads section of the website.

Energy Efficiency at the heart of new Carbon Plan

12/9/2011

The government has announced their new Carbon Plan which aims to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. Improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s homes will be one of the primary focuses for the first 10 years of the new campaign.

Energy and Climate Change secretary Chris Huhne stated:"The Carbon Plan shows that the gradual rebalancing of our economy away from carbon is achievable and, in the long run, highly desirable." The UK's economic interest lies in "a cost-effective transition to low carbon", according to Mr Huhne, and "an economy that is more resilient, innovative and efficient".

One of the most effective ways of reducing carbon emissions is by ensuring our houses are as energy efficient as possible, therefore reducing the amount of fuel required to heat our homes. Replacing single or first generation double glazed windows with modern energy rated windows can significantly reduce the carbon emissions of the average home.

• Energy rated PVC-u windows are one of the most effective ways to save energy and reduce Co2 emissions • Energy rated windows reduce heat loss by more than 20% • Modern energy rated windows will not only reflect heat back into your home but will also retain heat from solar gain

Swish Windows are made from one of the most modern and energy efficient profile systems available. Visit our Energy Rated Windows page to find out more about the products we offer.

Swish Window and Door Systems triple glazed system has been specified on a new social and affordable housing project in the North West of England

11/28/2011

Swish Window and Door Systems triple glazed system has been specified on a new social and affordable housing project in the North West of England.

New bead options mean Swish is able to offer a window system which can accommodate a 44mm triple-glazed unit, capable of achieving U-values as low as 0.8 W/m2K, supporting specifiers in achieving Code Level 6 and beyond.

Appointed by Riverside Housing Association, lead contractor Story Construction, selected Swish fabricator, World Group to supply 240 triple-glazed high performance windows to a 30 property development in Carlisle.

Delivered to a Code Level 4 standard the development of two and three bedroom properties, also included a Secured by Design specification.

Also supplying doors to the project, World Group managing director, Cliff Spooner, said that he expected to see growing demand from the commercial sector for high performance products.

He said: “We came on board with Swish 18-months ago because we saw value in the brand but also that we could deliver an exceptionally high level of thermal performance and achieve it affordably.

“We have recently completed a period of significant investment and believe that with it and particularly the investment we have made in our Secured-by-Design specification, we have a very attractive commercial offer that will allow us to support our customers effectively moving forward.”

Tested on an industry standard side hung fixed combination 1230mm by 1480mm window, the development of its triple-glazed option by Swish has included hardware trials and also full opening/closing cycle testing, to ensure performance.

Andrew Reid, commercial sales development director, Swish Window and Door Systems, said: “The new triple glazed option offered by Swish, allows developers to specify an exceptionally high performing and thermally efficient window and one that will deliver against criteria set out under Code level 6.

“What’s also significant is that the product that we have tested is the industry standard window for the calculation of U and WER values. That’s to say it’s not an ‘artificial’ specification that’s been manipulated to achieve a low U-value and ‘headline claims’.”

For more information about the Swish Window and Door Systems 0808 178 3040, email info@swishwindows.co.uk or visit www.swishwindows.co.uk.

Property developer chooses Swish for innovative new house in Bristol

11/23/2011

Swish Window and Door Systems has been specified and supplied to an innovatively designed new property, built on the site of a former toilet block and featuring advanced levels of thermal and acoustic insulation.

The corner plot in a Bristol suburb has been transformed as the site of a modern sedum-roofed and cedar-clad three bedroom property.

Its position in close proximity to a dual carriageway meant the acoustic performance of the building envelope was a critical part of the design process.

Windows in dual-colour grey on white supplied by SG Windows and manufactured in Swish, were specified by developer Ingle Rock to provide an enhanced level of noise insulation, achieving a reduction of 39 decibels (RW39dB).

Neil Rogers, managing director and owner, Ingle Rock, said: “The acoustic insulation was very important to us. We’re not very far away from a dual carriage way and we didn’t want that to impact on the living space. For that reason we specified a high level of wall insulation – 120mm behind double thickness plasterboard - roof insulation, including a sedum roof and high performance windows.

“The other element to the window installation of course was the aesthetic side. These are dual colour, white on the inside to support the sense of light and space inside and grey on the outside to blend with grey render and cedar which will grey with age.”

A Swish Approved Commercial Manufacturer, SG Windows manufactured and installed a total of 13 high performance windows to the project. Alongside the thermally efficient Swish frames, these featured specially developed acoustic DGU manufactured from an 8.8mm sheet of Standip Silent Glazing, 14mm cavity and 6mm low-e thermal glass.

Installation and manufacture were also made more challenging as SG Windows had to accommodate an 11 degree curve in windows installed at the front of the property.

Steve Rubotham, director, SG Windows explained: “The whole of the front of the building actually curves including the window aperture. The large windows at the front of the building are consequently manufactured from three separate products fitted on a pre-welded cill and then joined with coupling bars.

“Alongside this there was a demand for an exceptionally high level of acoustic performance which was achieved through the use of acoustic glass.

“Combined this was certainly a more unusual project and one which created a unique set of challenges.

The building also features a heat recovery and ventilation system. This meant that windows could be designed and installed without the inclusion of trickle vents which would have impacted on the effectiveness of sound proofing.

Neil, a former procurement manager for Redrow Homes, added: “The aesthetics are very strong throughout the property, the windows fit in and compliment the definition that exists between the different material types and deliver the practical performance that was so important to this project.

“We’re delighted with them.”

Image courtesy of The Bristol Evening Post.

Willow Green Conservatory

11/18/2011

Swish’s exclusive Willow Green foil colour has recently been used on a beautiful new conservatory in Cornwall.

The house, situated next to a golf course, is constructed from dark grey slate and by choosing the delicate shade of Willow Green the homeowner has succeeded in lifting the entire property.

The conservatory was installed by West Country based Swish Authorised Installer, Europlas. The roof is an aluminium roof from another Devon based company, Quantal. Quantal and Swish belong to the same group, one of the UK’s leading building products manufacturers, the Epwin Group. The Quantal roof system is widely regarded as one of the stylish and thermally efficient roof systems available.

To request your own sample of these exclusive colours or any of our other range of colours and wood effect foils, visit our Options page and complete the request form.

Cold weather

11/2/2011

As the cold weather approaches have you considered the benefits of A rated windows? The weather forecasters are already telling us we can expect a harsh winter this year.

Jonathan Powell of Positive Weather Solutions said the country should prepare itself for "back-to-back" harsh winters. The winter of 2010/11 was the coldest for 31 years, the average UK temperature for December to February was just 1.5C (34.7F), compared to the average of 3.7C (38.6F).

So what can you do to keep your home warm this winter? Fitting A rated double glazing can make a big difference to your heating bills and ensure as much as the heat you generate is kept inside your home as possible.

Energy usage in our homes can sky rocket in cold weather. Windows which have achieved an A Window Energy Rating will improve the insulation of your home and act as a temperature control mechanism. Warm air will be prevented from escaping through the windows helping to keep your home warmer for longer - literally meaning that the warmth in your home will not go straight out the window. The Energy Saving Trust recommends upgrading to Energy Rated windows as one way of improving the thermal efficiency of your home. The benefits they highlight include:

• Smaller energy bills: replacing all single-glazed windows with B-rated double glazing could save you around £165 per year on your energy bills.

• A smaller carbon footprint: by using less fuel, you’ll generate less of the carbon dioxide that leads to global warming - typically, 680kg a year.

• A more comfortable home: energy-efficient glazing reduces heat loss through windows and means fewer draughts and cold spots.

• Peace and quiet: as well as keeping the heat in, energy efficient-windows insulate your home against outside noise.

• Reduced condensation: energy-efficient glazing reduces condensation build-up on the inside of windows.

The costs and savings for energy-efficient glazing will be different for each home and each window, depending on their size, location and the specification of the windows you choose.

Swish Windows are one of the most energy efficient on the market. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of 5 chambers within the profile system. These smaller pockets of air help to slow down the transfer of cold air from outside the property to warm air on the inside.

To find out more about Energy Rated windows from Swish contact your local installer to arrange an appointment.

Tamworth Farmhouse

10/31/2011

When Swish attends home improvement shows such as Grand Designs we’re often surprised by how little people know about what can be achieved with PVCu.

Gone are the days when PVCu windows meant boring white squares. You can use PVCu windows to not only greatly improve the thermal efficiency and security of your home but you can also create real individuality.

A recently completed home improvement project in the Midlands is testament to this. The derelict farmhouse has been refurbished to a very high standard and the builders have worked hard to retain many of the original features. These include the unusual gothic arched windows which now feature Swish PVCu French windows beneath a decorative fixed arch.

Additional light has been allowed to enter the hallway and stairs by the clever use of Swish curtain walling above outward opening French Doors. A three pane bi-folding door has been used to make easy access out to the patio and the traditional wide front entrance has been complemented by a PVCu panel door.

To find out more about the wide range of options available have a look around this site to discover other solutions that could improve your home.

Choosing your conservatory

10/18/2011

Creating your own conservatory is a major decision and requires much thought on the windows and doors you will use. Given that choosing a conservatory is not a light decision, you will want to consider the following tips and obtain advice from the professional you hire.

Firstly, what is the intended use of your conservatory? Is it meant to be a playroom, office, dining area, second living room, or a garden room? Your conservatory does not have to fit any of these suggestions, but you do want to have the best materials, such as UPVC patio doors for your conservatory. It is best to have a starting idea of what you want the conservatory to look like before getting it designed and a quote from various professionals. In this way you can do your own pricing and then compare three quotes.

When examining conservatory design options, it may be best not to just go for the cheapest option. UPVC is inexpensive, but it is also one of the best materials out there. UPVC will hold up to the UK weather and, more than that, it will be easy to clean and last a lifetime. The UPVC is used for the frame, so you can still choose the type of glass you want, such as double glazing, double panes, or how many panes of glass. For example, you can chose from a wide choice of glass for the roof including self cleaning or glass that will reflect the heat of the sun making your conservatory useable throughout the year.

Seal Lite Vanilla job

10/10/2011

Swish Installer, Seal Lite, embraces the colour Option. With its rolling hills to its open fens and sandstone cottages Somerset is among England’s most picturesque counties. Just the sort of place where PVC-U would have historically appeared very much out of place.

But demonstrating just how far PVC-U aesthetics have recently come, Swish retailer and trade fabricator Seal-Lite Group has recently completed an installation in a picturesque village near Crewkerne.

Complete with church, cricket pavilion and local pub, the installation of WER A rated windows featuring a cream woodgrain foil were installed to an old workers cottage sitting within the heart of the village, delivering a close match to the timber windows they replaced.

“The Swish Options range has appeal with homeowners” says Seal-Lite retail manager Phil Harris. “It’s giving us more flexibility and coming in more cost effectively than spraying. “But it’s also generating interest for our own retail business and that of our trade customers. We’re talking to people who we wouldn’t have been talking to or who would have instinctively gone for timber or aluminium.”

While Seal-Lite has completed a number of installations in creams, greys and black, wood grain finishes, make up the majority of foil installations by its retail arm. “What it really gives us and our trade customers is that flexibility to go after jobs that we simply couldn’t have gone for otherwise.”

Swish offers a choice of 19 colours including Vanilla used in this installation, Willow Green, a softer alternative to the well established Chartwell Green and Barley Water, a cross between green and beige which works particularly well on barn conversions and cream rendered houses.

Swish sponsored golfer in national success

9/21/2011

Swish Window and Door Systems sponsored golfer Tony Lloyd enjoyed success recently at the Disabled British Open. The competition, which is covered by Sky Sports brings together top disabled golfers from around the UK to the East Sussex National Golf Resort & Spa near Uckfield.

The Shropshire-based golfer, who has finished third two years running, improved on that this year to finish 2nd in his category.

Tony, who was born with arms ending at the elbows started playing golf as a child, taking up the sport in earnest in 2005 representing England in the Home Nations Cup at Celtic Manor in 2010. In 2011 he was asked to captain the England team that won at the recent World Cup event in Scotland.

Successfully cutting his golfing handicap from 22 to 14.3 in the past 18 months his current rich vein of form and previous experience as captain of the England disabled cricket team, made him a popular choice for the national captaincy.

“I played a lot of cricket through the mid-nineteen nineties through to 2000 or so and as captain I learnt a lot about helping people to get the most out of their game”, said Tony. He continued: “I think I probably have a bit of a big mouth but if you really get behind someone, encourage and support them you can really lift them to a new level and I’ll be doing my best to do that.”

While national and international competitions are among the highlights of Tony’s sporting calendar, he has also recorded a number of successes at his home club, Horsehay Village Golf Club near Telford. He said: “I play at least 99 per cent of my golf at Horsehay and as the only disabled golfer play against able-bodied opponents but despite that have still managed to record a few club competition wins.

“But that’s beside the way first and foremost it’s the support that has been important. It’s a great club, everyone is incredibly friendly and welcoming and if it wasn’t for that and the people there I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today, I can’t thank them enough.”

To find out more about Tony and his achievements visit his website.

Rydale Windows joins Swish

9/21/2011

We're delighted to welcome a new installer to the authorised installer scheme. Rydale Windows, of Halesowen in the West Midlands, have been installing windows, doors and conservatories in the local area for over 30 years. Their focus has always been on offering high quality products backed by market leading customer service.

As a manufacturer of Swish windows and doors rather than simply an installer they control the whole process from sales through to installation. Their extensive showroom, conveniently located just off Long Lane in Blackheath, contains an extensive range of windows, doors and conservatories. In addition you can also view their manufacturing facility. Rydale promote themselves as ‘The recommended company’, a claim that can be verified by reading a few of the vast number of recommendation and thank you letters that adorn their walls.

This high level of customer service and a real commitment to quality made them ideal candidates for the Authorised Installer scheme. Although Swish is a national brand, it operates through a nationwide network of local installers, all of whom must adhere to the comprehensive Swish Code of Practice, guaranteeing excellent customer service and complete clarity when discussing costs and service levels.

To find out more about Rydale visit their website.

UPVC windows in older style properties

9/21/2011

If you’re a homeowner with an older property you may think that replacement windows are not appropriate for your home. Reducing draughts, lowering heating bills and increasing security are all consequences of new UPVC windows but the perceived unattractiveness can lead owners of period properties to reconsider. In the past, replacement windows came in a choice of white or white, and in a modern style of frame which could jar with the style and ambience of an older home.

Thankfully, modern UPVC windows now address these concerns. With Swish UPVC windows you’ll benefit from a wider choice of styles, which means that owners of period properties can enjoy all of the benefits of double glazed replacement windows while retaining the style and aesthetic appeal of their house.

With a vast range of glazing and finishing options, replacement windows from Swish allow our customers to choose a window that gives them the benefits of reduced heating bills, sound insulation, greater comfort, and increased home security, without compromising on style. Our experienced authorised installers can help you find a match for your existing style of window within our extensive range of options. With the added confidence that comes from buying from a brand with over 40 years’ heritage in UK home improvements, you can rest assured that you are investing in high quality products that will add value to your property.

Swish launches easy make, easy fit, slim-line bi-fold door

8/8/2011

Swish Window and Door Systems has launched a new slim-line bi-fold door offering, delivering significantly improved aesthetics and manufacturing and installation efficiencies.

Designed to go head-to-head on aesthetics with aluminium and timber products, the new bi-fold door from Swish replaces door profile opening leafs and face mounted track and hinges with traditional aluminium track roller system and concealed hinge mounting.

This delivers significantly improved sight-lines – half of current mullion widths. In addition it eliminates the need for mitre sash ‘T’ and ‘Z’ combinations and includes a low threshold option. Weather performance is also improved with the introduction of flush closed door leaf perimeters.

Speaking ahead of the door’s consumer launch at the National Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the NEC in March, Paul Lindsay, general manager, Swish Window and Door Systems, said the new offer combined technical innovation with increased consumer appeal.

He said: “The system eliminates many of the problems associated with other PVC-U bi-fold door options and elevates it in terms of aesthetic appeal on a par with much more expensive aluminium and timber systems.

“It gives our customers a strong sales platform in a growing market. Bi-fold doors have huge consumer appeal and we have a product that has been developed specifically to tap into that demand.”

This includes a number of manufacturing efficiencies, not least the elimination of the ‘Z’ and ‘T’ sash welding and preparation requirement. A simpler outer frame also makes fabrication easier while assembly has been simplified cutting costs for the fabricator.

Installation is also easier because there is no need to allow separately for upper and lower face mounted tracks as the new fully integrated design provides a more robust solution.

Paul added: “We have done a complete re-design, eliminating the things that made manufacture or installation of previous designs more challenging and simplifying the process, engineering in enhanced aesthetics and performance at every turn as part of that process.”

Swish targets a quarter of a million home improvers

8/8/2011

Swish Window and Door Systems has announced its attendance at a new round of consumer shows throughout 2010, as part of its ongoing consumer campaign.

The new campaign begins with the National Homebuilding and Renovating show at the NEC from the 18th to 21st of March. The Swish road show then moves onto Grand Designs Live at Excel from May 1st to 9th and then at the NEC from the 8th to 10th October.

In addition to its national show programme Swish will also attend the Scottish National Home Building and Renovating Show in Glasgow 15th to 16th May and for the Northern Homebuilding and Renovating Show in Harrogate 5th to 7th November.

Paul Lindsay, general manager, Swish Window and Door Systems said Swish remained committed to invest in its brand alongside the latest in product innovation.

He said: “We attended a number of national shows, in addition to regional and local activity, last year and found that they were a very effective and practical way of reaching the consumer. Giving home improvers the opportunity to feel and try a product speaks to them in a way that advertising or online activity alone can’t and we have seen the results.

“Looking to this year, we’re expecting to do even better, attending more shows and events than ever before with the ambition of putting the Swish brand and product range directly in front of a quarter of a million visitors.”

In 2009 the window systems company attended three national consumer shows; Homebuilding & Renovating in Birmingham and Glasgow and Grand Designs in London, putting Swish fabricators and installers in front of 150,000 active home improvers.

Generating leads totalling more than half a million pounds of potential business for members of the Swish Authorised Installer Scheme.

This has supported significant growth in Swish Authorised Installer Scheme which grew by more than 20 per cent last year, generating new leads for Swish fabricators, and supported by an ongoing national advertising campaign.

Paul added: “It’s really just simple logic. If our installers do well we can offer our fabricators more leads, and we can support them in doing well by continuing to invest in growing and developing our reputation among homeowners still further and that’s exactly what we plan to do throughout 2010.”

More Grand Designs from Swish

8/8/2011

Swish recently attended its 2nd Grand Designs Live event of the year following the great response we received in London back in April.

Grand Designs Live at the NEC was a slightly shorter event, this time over just 3 days, however we were amazed at how busy the show was and the large number of visitors to our well placed stand in the Grand Build area. Our aim for these shows has been to showcase the very best PVCu products available and allow visitors to see how PVCu windows and doors have been transformed over the last few years.

Our visitors were particularly impressed to the range of coloured and wood foiled products we had on display and were keen to learn more about our recycling program and how they could get involved. We also promoted the energy ratings scheme for windows which is still widely unheard of outside of the industry.

We have one more show to go for 2009, the Northern Homebuilding and Renovating in Harrogate from 6-8th November, look out for us on stand 236 in Hall C.

In 2010 we intend to extend our exhibition activity and have already booked to attend Grand Designs Live in London and Birmingham and the Homebuilding and Renovating Show also in Birmingham.

Swish shortlisted for industry award

8/8/2011

We were delighted to recently be shortlisted for a prestigious industry award.

The G09 Awards recognise and reward best practice in the UK glass and glazing industry. Swish was shortlisted for the Promotional Campaign Award for their efforts to promote the Swish brand and products to the trade and to homeowners.

Examples of some of our work in 2009 is illustrated below.

Swish supports the Daily Telegraph’s Homebuilding and Renovating Awards

8/8/2011

Swish is pleased to be sponsoring the prestigious Homebuilding and Renovating Awards in conjunction with The Daily Telegraph. The awards aim to identify and reward amateur builders and homeowners who are building their own home or re-modelling their existing one.

The judges are looking for innovation not only in design but also in thinking, an award winning home doesn’t have to be expensive or ultra-modern but merely reflect the best thinking in modern home improvements.

We’re pleased to be supporting the Remodel/ Extension Category, the judges will be looking to reward radical solutions to improve an existing space and clever reworking of layouts to improve a home’s performance.

To find out more about the competition and how you can enter please visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertydevelopment/5400314/Homebuilding-and-REnovating-Awards-2009-the-Grand-Designs-effect.html

Swish launches new composite door brochure

8/8/2011

Following the growing interest we’ve enjoyed in composite doors we’re pleased to launch our all new Swish Composite Door brochure titled ‘So nice to come home to...’.

Full of inspiring images of composite doors in different settings the brochure will help you choose the best option for your home. The brochure features our full range of door designs as well as illustrating the 7 door colours we offer. Swish recommends the Evergreen composite door, manufactured by our sister company in the world’s most advanced composite door factory.

To find out more about composite doors visit our composite door page or contact us to receive your own copy of the new brochure.

New Swish Installers join the network

8/8/2011

Swish is delighted to welcome a number of new fabricators to our national network. In the last few months Swish has attracted new customers from every corner of the UK mainland.

From Coutrywide Windows in Devon up to Inverness Glass in Scotland and JK Windows in West London across to Affordable Windows in Blackpool. We’re delighted to welcome all of our new fabricators and look forward to a successful long term relationship.

Click here to find your nearest Swish Authorised Installer