Latest News
New white foil for Classical suite
Super fabricator, Sierra has introduced a new white foiled option to their Classical window and doors range.
The new option improves aesthetics on the Classical range and is available foiled both sides as standard.
Available from stock, the superfabricator is also able to significantly cut lead times to customers.
Brian Webb, general manager, Sierra said: “Both our own studies and external research suggests that the demand for decorative options is increasing. As homeowners opt for increased aesthetics, the installed value is pushed up.
“This new colour option has been launched to give our customers the advantage of offering a wider choice improving service to their customers and meeting demand more efficiently.”
The Classical range is a fully sculptured 70mm window and door range which includes casement windows and tilt and turn windows and doors. The sculptured edges of the range combined with the authentic grain effect of the white foil not only offer an all round quality product but also enhanced aesthetics.
In addition to the enhanced foil options, Sierra, part of the Epwin Group, has also recently launched an in-house composite door business.
The existing value Definitive Collection and the new contemporary Reflections range will be manufactured in-house at Sierra’s technologically advanced 126,000sq ft factory. All Sierra doors also come with quality hardware and a choice of chrome, black, white and gold door furniture.
Brian said: “It is a competitive market out there and all our initiatives are aimed to help installers generate opportunities and drive new sales.
“By expanding our product range, we can give our customer the tools they need to keep building business and keep their business strong.”
New Pellini Encapsulated Blinds
Super fabricator, Sierra Windows, has enhanced its current product range with the introduction of the Pellini encapsulated blind system.
The innovative blind system is not only ideal for PVC-U conservatories and sliding door systems but any double glazed windows that are subject to direct sunlight.
With a choice of manual or motorised operation, the blinds can be raised or lowered to suit weather conditions as well as tilted to regulate the level of light or heat entering the room. Because the blinds sit between the panes of glazing, not only is there no need for cleaning and the slats are completed protected. This means maintenance is reduced, aesthetics are enhanced while the blinds are totally protected against dirt, dust or weather conditions.
The Pellini blind system is the latest in the continuous product development which is fundamental to Sierra’s product range.
The range includes a wide variety of U-PVC windows, doors and conservatories as well as a number of innovative accessories. Offered in a wide range of colours and fabrics and also with a choice of venetian or pleated blinds, the new system combines complete privacy with high performance suitable for all types of framing products.
70mm Fluted bay and coupling system
Sierra Windows, your experienced PVC-U manufacturer, has launched a range of new 70mm fluted bay window features.
The new, improved innovations include a range of superior PVC-U window and conservatory components and have been designed as a more attractive alternative to the current market offerings.
Ideal for more traditional properties, the enhanced decorative detail complements the Sierra Classical window range while enhancing product performance and increasing project value.
Included in the range of innovative elements launched, is a new corner post system capable of giving bay windows between 120° and 170° variability. Because the corner post has also inline coupling capability, it gives installers much more versatility when installing bay windows.
New 135° and 90° bay window coupling systems have also been introduced giving significantly strengthened structural support. Not only that, the 135° component is wider at the back which makes it an ideal choice for conservatories.
A symmetrical, ornamental 72mm in-line coupler, which has been designed to be used in Shallow Bow windows, is now also available.
Sierra, who are part of the Epwin Group, has also launched a new 9mm decorative in-line coupler which not only allows for easier accommodation of bow windows but complements the entire range.
New Vectis Lock
Super Fabricator, Sierra Windows has stepped up its security offering by introducing the new anti-bump Vectis cylinder free lock as an option on all composite doors.
The new lock was introduced to enhance Sierra’s security range which already includes a Secured by Design accredited multi point lock. Designed to combat ‘bumping’ which is a technique used by intruders to pick exterior door locks by shifting the cylinder out of place, the Vectis lock is cylinder free, eliminating bumping snapping and plug-extraction of locks.
By incorporating a contemporary multi point lock with a traditional mortice lock the new Vectis lock offers the highest levels of security for the homeowner. Not only that, each lock is supplied complete with three brass mortice keys.
Drumming up business on a budget
Sierra Windows, your experienced PVC-U manufacturer has enhanced its installer offer by introducing two new styles of promotional leaflets to the installer marketing support package.
Personalised with the installers’ information, a choice of two different types of drop cards is now available to help build customer awareness and generate leads.
The smart and professional A6 drop cards, personalised with individual installer labels, are ideal for door-to-door drops and include a helpful postcard for homeowners to complete and return with their details and area of interest to the installer.
Not only that, the A5 sized leaflets can be adapted and personalised with the installers’ logo and individual details prior to printing. These leaflets give details of the range of products from windows to French doors including colours and energy ratings.
Whether installing windows, doors, conservatories, bi-fold or patio doors, tailored drop cards and leaflets are a highly cost effective way to generate leads. For installers who are on a budget, the literature is ideal for targeting those homeowners who are not only considering home improvements but searching for a trusted and professional installer to start improvements.
Whether distributed by hand, through the post or through newspaper inserts, the simple yet versatile and informative flyers will enable installers’ to put their name in the customers mind while keeping costs to a minimum.
New Yale Door Viewer
Super fabricator, Sierra Windows, has enhanced its current PVC-U product range with the introduction of the Yale Electronic Door Viewer.
Combating a rise in distraction burglary, the innovative viewer uses an external camera to show live ‘through the spy hole’ images. The images are transmitted onto a large easy-to-view internal screen giving homeowners increased protection against unwanted visitors. Not only that, a zoom option is available to help homeowners read small details, for example identification cards.
Developed with the homeowners’ security in mind, the electronic door viewer is the newest addition to the Sierra product range. This range also includes a wide variety of U-PVC windows, doors and conservatories as well as a number of innovative accessories.
The ease of installation of the viewer complements the ease of installation of Sierra products. Including a built-in doorbell, the electronic spy hole comes with a long-life rechargeable battery and battery charger and is finished in stylish yet subtle brush-effect aluminium.
GGPmag.com interview with Brian Webb
Sierra brings composite door business in-house
Super-fabricator Sierra has launched a new in-house composite door business, bringing a new product range and more flexible service to the burgeoning composite door market.
The changes mean that Sierra now boasts two distinct service and product offers, its existing value Definitive Collection and new contemporary Reflections range.
Both will be manufactured in-house at the super-fabricator’s technologically advanced 126,000sq ft factory and warehousing facility as part of Sierra’s commitment to quality and service.
Brian Webb, general manager, Sierra, said: “We’re now in a position to offer fabricators and installers a choice from the no-nonsense Definitive Collection, which offers a wide but capped range of products, or from the much broader and bespoke Reflections range.
“Either range gives fabricators and installers a great opportunity to get into the composite door market. We aren’t alone in seeing it as a growth area, composite doors have huge kerb appeal and represent a great consumer proposition. We’re giving our customer the tools to take advantage of it.”
Palmer Market research suggests in its latest study that in actual and forecast market share, while PVC-U remained the most dominant door material in 2007, accounting for 82 per cent of sales, it is forecast to decline to 74 per cent by 2012.
It appears that PVC-U’s loss is largely GRP’s gain with the material forecast to enjoy continuing growth from a present market share of eight per cent to 18 per cent by 2012 – all the more reason it appears to add a composite door to your range.
“We have also reviewed the detail of our offer to give our customers additional sales platforms,” said Brian. “This includes a number of quick wins that we believe sets the quality of our products apart from others on the marketplace.”
Composite doors from Sierra come with a number of innovations as standard. This includes through colour cassettes, which stand up to better than traditional cassettes to everyday wear and tear. All Sierra doors also come with quality hardware and a choice of chrome, black, white and gold door furniture.
Sierra also offers two locking options, a high security multi-point locking system as standard and from the beginning of this year the optional specification of the new anti-bumping Vectis cylinder-free lock.
Brian concluded: “Consumers expect quality, choice and performance – we have developed two composite door suites to meet exactly that demand.
“This is underpinned by Sierra’s commitment to service. We simply don’t believe there is a better door on the market.”
Sierra launches new pricing CD
Super-fabricator Sierra Windows has launched a new pricing CD and pricing program to help customers save time when calculating costs and generating prices.
The new pricing software enables installers to input their individual product discounts, add on their mark up and then create their own retail pricelists, all at the touch of a button.
Alongside this, Sierra has also launched a new pricing CD in PDF format which incorporates Sierra’s complete product pricelist and is simple to download and print off as required.
Dave Stearman, general sales manager, Sierra Windows, said: “Sierra is investing in all areas of the business including both products and service.
“Our new pricing program has been specially designed to save our customers time and to make managing their costs and calculating profit-margins simple.
“Instead of calculating costs and adding figures manually, installers can now input their mark up and generate potential profits with the click of a mouse. This will be particularly helpful to installers who sell to trade and retail as they can generate two separate pricelists within minutes.”
Sierra has also made significant investment in its comprehensive marketing literature to help installers promote their products and with its own in-house design studio can cater for all design requirements and marketing needs.
Dave said: “With more than 30 years’ manufacturing experience, Sierra has the knowledge and experience to support its customers in all areas of their business.”
He added: “It is important that installers have the best resources available to them to market their products properly and this will help them to attract new business in an increasingly tight market.”
Sierra sees green
Super-fabricator Sierra Windows has launched a new range of low-maintenance, energy-efficient products that are not just green on the inside but green on the outside too.
This includes the company’s new A and C rated energy efficient windows and a fully comprehensive recycling service provided through its sister-company Dekura. Sierra is also the only fabricator currently supplying the exclusive ‘Chartwell Green’ foil.
Sierra’s customers now have access to the most advanced, low-maintenance, thermally-efficient and ‘green’ products available on the market.
Brian Webb, divisional sales and marketing director, Sierra Windows said: “More and more, at home and in the workplace, we are being encouraged to cut our carbon footprint and become more environmentally-conscious.
“Sierra is currently the only company to provide a green foiled A-rated window and through our sister company Dekura, the UK’s leading PVC-U recycler, we are also able to offer our customers access to a dedicated recycling service, saving them money on ‘waste’ disposal.”
In recycling old first generation PVC-U windows this also means that Sierra is giving installers a powerful ‘green’ message at a time when every additional sales tool counts.
Brian said: “Installers need to recognise the valuable opportunities that green issues and the widest choice of products can generate. For example, by adding new foiled colours to their range, installers can increase new business sales, particularly amongst homeowners wanting a more ‘sympathetic’ look to their properties.
“Our exclusive Chartwell Green foil, which is already seeing impressive sales, also compliments our existing roof offer, meaning that we can supply a wide choice of coloured conservatories as well.”
Window Energy Ratings (WERs) can also support the ‘green’ message. Higher energy-rated products can result in significant reductions on heating bills for consumers and with the recent rises in energy prices this makes the message all the more relevant.
Brian said: “Consumers are starting to recognise the Window Energy Ratings approved label and this is giving energy-efficient products stronger consumer appeal.
“Sierra is able to predict and respond to changing demands in the marketplace and research has shown that adopting a greener approach to your business can help to increase market share.
He added: “In a maturing market, few can afford to ignore products and services that can add value to their business.”
Sierra gets traditional
Super-fabricator Sierra Windows has seen a significant increase in demand for its Astragal Bar glass design which was launched eighteen months ago in response to a call for more ‘heritage’ style products.
Designed to replicate traditional timber windows, the Astragal Bar design goes one step further than Sierra’s Georgian Bar. As well as incorporating spacer bars between the glass, bars are also raised from the glass to give the window an authentic Georgian look, making the Astragal Bar extremely popular, particularly with owners of older-style properties.
Brain Webb, divisional sales and marketing director, Sierra Windows, explains that introducing a variety of different products to the market, including innovative glass designs and foiled colours, makes it easier for fabricators and installers to generate new opportunities.
Brian said: “In a tight marketplace it is important to find new ways to achieve critical product differentiation and by offering a wide variety of products, installers can encourage new business sales and in turn increase profit margins.
“As well as creating added interest with a full range of foils, we have developed an extensive collection of stylish glass designs to provide consumers with even more choice. These include the traditional Astragal Bar design, Georgian Bar, Leaded, Bevelled and a combination of Leaded and Bevelled designs.
“With a simple application process and no extra tooling required, these glazing options can help to add significant value to the offer, all for minimal investment.”
Sierra has continued to see major consumer demand for a choice of glazing options as they help to create an authentic period look for a property’s exterior making them particularly appealing for the home.
Offered in 60 and 70mm Chamfered and Sculptured ranges, the Astragal Bars are now also available in Sierra’s Natural Colour Collection including the authentic Ice Cream and the exclusive Chartwell Green foils, meaning they are set to become even more popular.
Brian added: “Increasingly, consumers are calling for innovative products to help their homes stand out from the crowd and more choice for the homeowner can result in new opportunities for the installer.
“Sierra is continuing to develop new products to give installers a competitive edge. Those companies that do adopt a flexible approach to their business will continue to benefit from new sales and will be able to expand their market share.”
For more information about Sierra’s one-stop-shop and wide range of products call 0808 178 3455 or visit www.sierrawindows.co.uk
Sierra's in the market for customer support
Super-fabricator Sierra Windows has launched a new suite of retail marketing literature to provide installers with a dedicated marketing support service, helping them to set their products apart from others in the market.
Sierra’s new ‘Design Inspiration’ and ‘Vibrant Living’ retail brochures give homeowners information and advice about home improvement methods and all of the products that are available to them.
To help installers generate leads and win new business through product promotion, Sierra’s comprehensive marketing guides also contain detailed information about the wide-ranging benefits of PVC-U products for the home.
Brain Webb, divisional sales and marketing director, Sierra Windows, said: “Our ‘Design Inspiration’ brochure is a glossy lifestyle information guide that introduces homeowners to the benefits of home improvements and explains how they can transform their property whilst adding considerable value.
“‘Vibrant Living,’ the second of our retail brochures, takes this one step further and is a much more detailed and diverse piece of literature covering everything from reducing household bills with energy-efficient PVC-U windows to the very latest colours and innovative products available for the home.
“Both brochures have been designed so that installers’ company details can be overprinted onto the back. Added to that we can also create bespoke front covers when requested so that the brochure incorporates the companies’ individual branding ensuring they achieve continuity across all elements of their business.”
Sierra has a wide variety of comprehensive marketing resources on offer to its customers and with its own in-house design studio can cater for all design requirements and marketing needs.
Brian said: “Sierra offers installers a comprehensive support package to cover all marketing requirements and our contemporary retail marketing literature is proving to be extremely popular.
“With more than 30 years’ manufacturing experience, Sierra is dedicated to providing everything an installer needs to increase sales and improve profit margins.”
He added: “In a challenging marketplace and with consumer demand growing, it is important that installers have the best resources available to them to market their products properly and this will help them to attract new business in an increasingly tight market.”
For more information about Sierra’s new retail brochures and wide range of products call 0808 178 3455 or visit www.sierrawindows.co.uk.
Sierra heads for greener Pastures
Super-fabricator Sierra Windows has reported a steady growth in demand since launching its exclusive foiled colour, Chartwell Green, reaffirming the increasing importance of colour in securing new business.
After the success of the heritage green colour in spray-painted conservatory roofs, Sierra has taken the initiative to develop an exact match to create the exclusive Chartwell Green foil, which is already proving to be very popular with consumers.
Brain Webb, divisional sales and marketing director, Sierra Windows, explains that by adding new foiled colours to their range, installers can generate major opportunities and in turn increase sales, particularly amongst owners of more traditional style properties.
Brian said: “Increasingly, installers are recognising the edge that colour can give in a tight marketplace but whatever the market, product differentiation is all important.
“Our exclusive Chartwell Green foil, which is already seeing impressive sales, compliments our existing roof offer, meaning that we can supply a wide choice of coloured conservatories as well. We also have all the necessary ancillaries available so that we can provide a fully inclusive package.
“Up until now, colours have been spray-painted on but Sierra offers foiled colours which have a grain effect, making them more durable and scratch-resistant, resulting in a far superior finish.”
With the clear potential to help generate new business and close sales, colour could be seen as one of the industry’s greatest assets, but it has largely remained untouched and consumers have been offered a ‘choice’ of white or white.
By offering unique and innovative products, installers can stand out from the crowd whilst being better equipped to meet changing consumer demands, which is crucial in the current economic climate.
Brian said: “Colour was explored briefly in the nineties but it never really took off. What we are seeing now is a new generation of more subtle pastel and heritage colours which are particularly popular with owners of period properties who want a colour that will fit in with their home’s distinctive character.
“At Sierra we have worked hard to predict and respond to changing demands in the marketplace. As well as creating the exclusive Chartwell Green foil, we have also added Black and Gale Grey foiled colours to address demands within the commercial market, showing Sierra’s flexibility to appeal to all tastes.”
For more information about Sierra’s one-stop-shop and wide range of products call 0808 178 3455 or visit www.sierrawindows.co.uk
BJ Bevan celebrates 35 years of industry success
Specialist supplier of windows and doors, BJ Bevan, is celebrating 35 years of service excellence to the communities of South Wales.
The company, based at Oxford Street, Swansea, installs a wide range of highly durable, energy-efficient PVC-U windows, doors, conservatories and rainwater goods at a competitive price, providing its customers with a reliable and complete installation service.
Martin Bevan, managing director, said: “My father started BJ Bevan in 1972 and in those days he was working with aluminium and hardwood frames. Things have changed a lot since then as we are now installing low-maintenance, energy-efficient PVC-U products in a wide range of colours and styles.
“I took over as managing director two years ago and BJ Bevan still maintains the same high standards of customer service and product choice as it always has.”
BJ Bevan is continuing to build upon its reputation for providing a personal, reliable and trusted service to its customers and this clearly shows.
Martin said: “Most of our business comes from recommendations alone and this is how it has always been. We are now working with the next generation of customers and are pleased that parents are recommending our service to their children.
“With new products being introduced to the market all the time, it’s essential that we can provide homeowners with the very latest high-performance products in a wide range of styles including wood-grain effect and coloured PVC-U windows, doors and conservatories, no matter how big or small the order.”
Working in partnership with leading window and door manufacturers Sierra Windows, BJ Bevan can offer its customers the most sophisticated range of secure, low-maintenance PVC-U products in the widest selection of colours and styles, whilst continuing to maintain its reputation for excellent customer service and reliability.
Martin added: “Our customers receive an unrivalled level of service and can choose from the most comprehensive range of products available on the market.”
For more information about BJ Bevan contact 01792 464 143 and for further information about Sierra Windows visit www.sierrawindows.co.uk or call 0808 178 3455.
Sierra welcomes new sales specialist to the team
Super-fabricator Sierra Windows has appointed a new general sales manager to help consolidate new business and to provide customers with a dedicated point of contact.
With considerable experience in the window industry, Dave Stearman has notched up more than 27 years’ of sales experience and is looking forward to working with Sierra’s dedicated internal and external sales function.
Commenting on his appointment, Dave said: “I am really pleased to be joining such a forward-thinking company with a strong reputation for customer service and an extensive product range.
“I am keen to establish good working relationships not only with Sierra’s customers but also with the team in-house who have been extremely welcoming in my first month.”
Dave, who will be based in the office for two days, will be spending three days a week out on the road supporting existing clients as well as visiting potential customers for the year ahead.
He said: “Looking forward to 2008 I will be heavily involved in growing the business by developing more support for our external sales function and by targeting key installation companies that will be able to benefit from Sierra’s expert knowledge and product range.”
With such a busy work schedule, Dave doesn’t have a lot of time for hobbies but he can always spare a few hours for a game of golf at The Vale golf club in Evesham.
Dave added: “I enjoy a game of golf but will never be the next Tiger Woods. My passion actually lies more in the footy sphere as I’m on the Committee for Pershore Town football club and we’re looking for promotion.”
Brian Webb, divisional sales and marketing director, Sierra Windows, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dave to our established sales team and know he will play a major part in delivering the exceptional level of service that our existing and potential clients have come to expect.”
For more information about Sierra’s wide range of products call 0808 178 3455 or visit www.sierrawindows.co.uk.
All under one roof at Sierra
Super-fabricator Sierra Windows is helping fabricators and installers to stay at the forefront of the industry by providing them with the very latest range of advanced products.
To help installers generate leads and win new business Sierra has introduced a number of new products. These include bi-folding doors that have a unique style and space saving features and the new exclusive Chartwell Green coloured foil - only available from Sierra.
With more than 30 years’ manufacturing experience Sierra’s market research shows that consumers are calling for a greater range of products in more diverse styles and colours to make their homes stand out from the crowd.
Brain Webb, divisional sales and marketing director, Sierra Windows, said: “Offering a full range of products including colours can increase footfall through a business, help to achieve crucial product distinction and with higher end products in your collection, increase margins.
“The current climate is tight but companies who adopt a flexible approach can continue to increase new sales and expand their market share.”
Sierra was one of the first companies to launch a black foil which has been very popular with homeowners and since then have introduced additional foiled colours to its Natural Colour Collection including White, Chartwell Green, Ice Cream and Gale Grey.
Brian said: “In a challenging marketplace and with consumer demand growing, innovative products can help to open up more choice for the homeowner and new opportunities for the installer.”
To help address the increasing demand for variety, Sierra has added to its extensive glazing options by launching the Astragal bar glass design which provides traditional style by replicating authentic timber windows and has also unveiled a classical fully sculptured suite in a variety of finishes including Rosewood, Antique Oak, White and Woodgrain on White.
Within each product range, Sierra offers various options to address all customer requirements including chamfered and sculptured window suites, vertical sliders, mainstream and premium conservatory roofing systems, as well as a wide range of GRP composite and high-performance PVC-U doors.
Brian added: “New product development has required substantial investment on our part but we are confident that our customers will see a return.
“Having a full range of complete products on-hand also makes it easier for those companies that decide to stop fabricating and concentrate on installing, allowing them to focus on the more profitable side of their business.
“Sierra continues adding to its product portfolio to keep ahead of changes in the marketplace and to provide everything that our customers need to make the most of the current and future sales opportunities.”
For more information about Sierra’s one-stop-shop and wide range of products call 0808 178 3455 or visit www.sierrawindows.co.uk
Add a little colour to your palette with Sierra
Super-fabricator Sierra Windows has introduced a new palette of foiled colours designed to help installers secure critical market differentiation and in turn generate opportunities to drive new sales in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
As a complete contrast to the traditional white PVC-U windows, Sierra’s new advanced range of coloured products including wood grain effect foils in Rosewood and Antique Oak and external colours including Black, Gale Grey, Ice Cream and Chartwell Green helps installers to offer their customers a much wider choice.
Sierra’s recent market research has shown that consumers are now demanding a much greater range of products and are prepared to pay a premium for them.
Brain Webb, general manager, Sierra Windows, said: “With more advanced products coming onto the market all the time, it is no longer just cost, security, low-maintenance and energy-efficiency that makes a PVC-U product stand out from the crowd.
“With a variety of different shapes and styles of window already on offer, it seems that colour has been widely overlooked and consumers have had little or no choice other than white.
“Today, homeowners have higher expectations and are happy to pay a little more for the product that best compliments their home. This is where the very latest and most advanced range of foiled colours can help differentiate a product in the marketplace.”
Whilst the window market remains competitive, this advanced generation of products is generating new opportunities for those companies that are able to offer consumers a wider choice of products, giving them an edge over their competitors.
However, in a competitive marketplace, it is often difficult for smaller fabricators to compete with larger businesses that can offer a full range of products. Stopping fabrication and buying-in complete products can provide smaller fabricators with a critical lifeline by giving them access to a far greater range of products than they could manufacture in-house.
Brian added: “In the same way that consumers are prepared to pay a higher price for secure and sustainable products, companies that are embracing our next generation of foiled products are also seeing a higher return.
“By concentrating on the installation side of their operation, fabricators can focus on the more profitable side of their business to safeguard their company and maximise its growth.”
For more information about Sierra’s new range of foiled colours call 0808 178 3455 or visit www.sierrawindows.co.uk
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