Software and Marketing Articles
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As we begin a new year, systems company Liniar explores the latest online predictions for exterior home trends in 2021. During 2020 we witnessed a shift in consumer buying habits, for two primary reasons: online versus in-person shopping and the inability to socialise. The pandemic forced homeowners to spend more time within their homes and gardens and, as noted throughout...
By Richard Bate, Build Check. The transition period for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union was due to end on Thursday December 31, 2020. At the time of writing, we were still in a position where nobody knew whether we will be leaving in a deal or no deal situation and, in the event of a no deal...
By Liniar’s Simone Sangha. I hope everyone has had a great New Year and is feeling positive about the year ahead. This article will focus on the top three digital trends that I believe will be at the forefront in 2021, all aimed at enhancing your digital strategy for the year. Google listings and local SEO. Schema structured data 8.0...
GGF Commercial MD Anda Gregory reports that despite the difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 has still been a remarkable year for each of the division’s brands. In a summary of the performance during 2020 of the companies that comprise the GGF Commercial Group, including Fensa, BFRC, Installsure and Risa, and an indication of what the industry may expect...
Selling your business will seem like a daunting prospect, particularly if you want a quick sale. But that should not mean that you sell your business to just anyone. Neal Harper, MD of Sustainium Group, a holding company set up to acquire local home improvement companies in the UK, discusses why it’s vital that you leave your business in the...
Insight Data’s Andrew Scott discusses six business strategies companies can use to maximise value and profits. When most people think of Insight Data, they probably think of marketing data, because we provide in-depth information on 15,000 fabricators and installers, as well as tens of thousands of decision-makers across the construction industry. So, business leaders are often surprised when, as a...
By Richard Bate, Build Check. In previous columns we have established what Product Assessment Standard PAS24 is, why we need it, and what is involved in the testing of windows and doors to meet the security requirements of PAS24. This month we look at how you go about your testing programme to plan for success, achieve maximum coverage, and minimise...
The visibility planning and processing tools provided by Clear Thinking Software, have been instrumental in supporting Halsall Glass in doubling its turnover in less than a year. We report. Rob Halsall, managing director of Halsall Glass, recognised early on, that it was process, rather than machinery, that limited the glass processor’s capacity to capitalise on new demand post-lockdown. “We picked...
With the average Brit spending more than £1,000 on home improvement since the first lockdown began in the spring, it’s important that as we begin the new year window and door products evolve in line with changing moods, style and trends. Bethaney Larkman, marketing manager for Distinction Doors, looks ahead to colour trends in 2021. Grey and cool neutral tones...
Christopher Brunsdon, founder and CEO of Tommy Trinder, argues that 2020 is the year that selling double glazing changed for ever. My son Billy (aged 16½) opened his first bank account this week. Did he make an appointment with his local branch? Get on the bus to town? Queue up to see an advisor? No. He went to the App...
Neil Cooper-Smith, senior analyst, Business Pilot. The latest Business Pilot Barometer shows that window and door sales fell by 27% in November compared to October, reversing the 4% increase seen in October on September. November also saw a drop in new enquiries (down 17% on October) while rates of conversion also fell away by 5%. Average lead to sale times,...
Andy Ball, managing director at Balls2 Marketing, talks about why Google My Business is such an important tool for SMEs. One positive thing that’s come out of this year is the nation’s attitude to supporting local businesses. According to research by YouGov, on behalf of Google, 88% of Brits feel a more positive connection to their local area since lockdown....
By Adrian Toon, director of a2n. The Pandemic has hit us all very hard and, with a significant change to our daily routines, this can leave us with some common mental health issues which can include stress, anxiety, uncertainty, frustration and depression. An absorbing hobby or interest, such as photography, is said to reduce boredom and consequently reduce stress. A...
Insight Data director of operations Jade Greenhow takes a look at how digital marketing solutions can help you to convert more prospects into customers. Now is not the time to press pause on your marketing. In fact, our message to the fenestration and construction industries right now is that marketing should be your prime focus if you want to secure...
How are pressures on the supply chain impacting on installers, and could software deliver the answer? By Business Pilot. The growth seen in window and door retail this spring and summer came with a unique set of headaches for installers: in April and May, many fabricators remained in a self-imposed lock-down; systems companies and glass manufacturers were also operating at...
By Rhonda Ridge, creator of AdminBase. In the weeks leading to Christmas 2019, there was little mention of the virus that was beginning to take its toll on the population of Wuhan, the largest city in Central China with more than nine million people. By early February, news of the disease was reaching our shores but with just a couple...
By Liniar’s Simone Sangha. When looking at a website, people often judge it purely based on how it looks. Of course, appearance is an extremely important component of a website. However, don’t be caught out. Just because a site may look aesthetically pleasing, it doesn’t automatically mean that it works well to carry out its prime objective: to drive leads...
By Doorco’s chief doork, Jeyda. When it comes to colours, pink is one of the more debated shades. Many hues have their own nuanced meanings but overall, there are some fairly deeply embedded associations between pink and femininity. This hasn’t always been the case, though. Research seems to suggest that pink started being aligned with the female gender only when...
By Certass chair, Jon Vanstone. The glazing competence element of the industry has come together to start the process of how we align our industry to the requirements of government for the years ahead within domestic installations. The Mandatory Technical Competencies (MTC) will be changing with a timeline of introduction in 2021. Many installers will be concerned about a change...
By Richard Bate, Build Check. Last month we looked at what is involved when windows are tested for the security elements of PAS 24, which is followed this month with doorsets. The basic preparations are the same, except that we require three door specimens rather than the two required for windows. PAS24 security testing for doorsets comprise different test elements...