Welsh hoteliers face uPVC ban
26 April 2012
Hotel owners in Llandudno, Wales, have hit out at council plans to remove double glazed windows on the town’s promenade, which would see them foot the bill for any replacements.
In a statement, Conwy Council said the windows had ‘diluted the special character of historic areas and damaged listed buildings’, and was moving forward with a proposal to have them replaced.
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from the town’s hoteliers, whose premises make up a significant portion of the promenade. David Williams, of the Llandudno Hospitality Association, said that several had voiced concerns over the costs involved and potential disruption to their businesses.
“What we do not support is the retrospective chasing of people, some of who changed their windows 20 years ago,” he said.
“To expect people to rip out double glazing windows and in some instances their doors is not feasible.”
“We’re concerned by the heavy handed approach of the council,” added Michael Thompson, a director at another local hotel.
“Retrospective planning is going to make them very unpopular with the business community.”
Venture capital firm snaps up Everest
05 April 2012
UK glazing giant Everest has been bought by turnaround specialist Better Capital in a £25 million deal.
“Everest Limited's audited revenues for the year to 31 October 2010 were £173 million. Since the date of the last audited accounts trading has been difficult,” Better said in a statement.
“The 2012 Fund has committed £25 million to finance the acquisition and to fund the working capital and restructuring requirements.”
Better, which was launched by venture capitalist John Moulton in 2010, has a strong track record in reviving ailing firms, having previously purchased stakes in companies such as the Reader’s Digest, housing group Connaught and boat maker Fairline.
In a seperate emailed statement, an Everest spokesman said that the company was ‘delighted’ by the acquisition.
“This transaction will mean that Everest will have a stable financial platform for growth, will be fully funded and debt free. Better Capital will work closely with the management team to help the company fulfil its potential,” he said.
“Better Capital has an excellent understanding of the business and of the home improvement sector in general and will be able to bring its experience and knowledge to help Everest reach greater success. It has a track record of making capital and operational investments in its businesses, in order to create strong foundations for growth.”
GGF slams ‘Consequential Improvements’ plans
02 April 2012
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has criticised the government’s proposal to force property owners to fit energy efficient measures during renovations, known as ‘Consequential Improvements’.
On April 3, the GGF said that it submitted a formal response to the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on their consultation document for the scheme.
"This will be damaging to the replacement window industry and counter-productive for carbon saving,” said Giles Willson, the GGF’s deputy CEO and director for technical affairs
“The proposal is also illogical, because the act of installing replacement windows means that a substantial improvement in the carbon footprint of the dwelling is achieved, so we cannot see why this should compel additional actions and costs to be incurred."
The consultation was launched by Liberal Democrat communities minister Andrew Stunell in February, proposing that homeowners should be forced to fit energy efficient measures such as extra insulation when changing their boilers or fitting double glazing.
“There are about 10,000 window installation companies in the UK - the overwhelming majority of which are micro enterprises,” Wilson added.
“There is a high risk that many of these would be commercially damaged by the disincentive for homeowners to install replacement windows this proposal represents.”