Confidence over adversity

Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell celebrates the recent glass and glazing acquisitions.

Yes, there are cost pressures but the confidence to pursue courses of action that open new markets is something we are reading about time and again in 2017 – and the year is still young.

In fact, the news dominating this week’s newsletter continues that theme. Polyframe’s acquisition of Customade, for example, is the third such deal completed by the firm since its MBO last July, and it is one that turns heads.

However, it is not alone. KAT announced its acquisition of Ayrshire Shopfronts this week, which supports its national reach while opening up the commercial market, and Romag has become the exclusive UK manufacturer for the Suntuitive product, which brings self-tinting glass technology to the residential and commercial sectors.

Crittall has launched a new fabrications division that will create and supply a range of specialist steel and stainless steel glazing systems, screens and doorsets for external and internal use, and Morley Glass & Glazing’s £1 million investment has led to a 30% increase in order volume.

Despite ongoing news about inflationary pressures, or the fall in the pound’s value, or the uncertainty following Brexit, the determination of the British glass and glazing industry to open up opportunities is something to be proud of.

As you will have noticed, Glass Times is rolling out its new website, which is not another ‘me too’ site – we were keen to offer something different and useful. One example is the online Directory of Products and Services, which is a comprehensive list of companies in our industry.

You can enter your company details free of charge (you can do it now if you like!), but we are also offering an enhanced entry for just £360 a year, which will include your company logo, contact details, social media links, a link to your website, and a company biography. Furthermore, as I add stories to the site – news, products, projects, people moves, charity events, feature articles, etc – I will tag your company name, so that they will all be accessible from your directory entry for future reference.

Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook Facebook where will publish news stories as and when they happen.

All feedback is welcome.