The companies have come together to encourage installers, fabricators and suppliers to take a closer look at how they evidence compliance.

Compliance enforcement

The conversations explored common themes emerging across product compliance enforcement, including documentation, conformity marking, traceability and the ability of businesses to demonstrate compliance when challenged.

While the focus of OPSS activity spans multiple construction product sectors, the discussions highlighted lessons that are increasingly relevant to the fenestration industry as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.

One of the strongest messages to emerge was that compliance is no longer simply about having the right product. Businesses must also be able to demonstrate that products meet the relevant requirements through clear documentation, accurate records and robust evidence.

Compliance evidence ‘just as important’

In many cases investigated by OPSS, concerns did not necessarily arise because products were proven to be unsafe or non-compliant. Instead, problems emerged because businesses were unable to provide the documentation, labelling and conformity marking required by law, undermining confidence that products met the relevant standards.

As regulatory scrutiny increases, the ability to evidence compliance is becoming just as important as compliance itself.

For installers, this has implications beyond product selection. Documentation is increasingly becoming a critical part of the installation process, from demonstrating competence and recording customer decisions through to maintaining evidence of product performance and specification.

The discussions also reinforced the growing importance of supply chain due diligence.

Installers are often the final link in the chain, but they remain responsible for understanding the products they are fitting and ensuring appropriate documentation is available.

This includes checking that products are correctly labelled, supported by relevant declarations and backed by the information needed to demonstrate compliance if questioned by regulators, clients or building control bodies.

More change on the horizon

The timing is particularly significant as the industry prepares for further regulatory change.

The Building Safety Act continues to drive greater accountability across construction, while proposals for a Single Construction Regulator are expected to create a more joined-up approach to oversight of products, buildings and professional competence.

At the same time, the Future Homes Standard and evolving energy efficiency requirements are expected to place greater emphasis on product performance, specification and documented evidence of compliance.

For many businesses, this represents a shift away from assumptions and towards demonstrable evidence.

‘Compliance needs to be demonstrated’

Jon Vanstone, Chair of Certass and Chair of the Industry Competence Committee, said: “The key message from our discussions was straightforward. Compliance is no longer something businesses can simply assume. Increasingly, organisations need to be able to demonstrate it.

“Across construction we are seeing a move towards greater accountability, stronger documentation and clearer evidence trails. Whether it is product information, conformity marking, installation records or customer decisions, the ability to evidence compliance is becoming increasingly important.

“Businesses that can evidence compliance have nothing to fear and much to gain.”

Greatly important for SME installers

Certass believes the message is particularly important for SME installers operating in a challenging market.

As homeowners become increasingly price conscious, installers are often placed under pressure to reduce costs, alter specifications or justify recommendations.

Maintaining clear records of advice given, products specified and decisions made helps protect both the customer and the installer while demonstrating professionalism throughout the customer journey.

The organisation says the wider direction of travel is becoming clear: competence, documentation, traceability and accountability are no longer separate issues. Together they form the foundation of modern compliance.

Certass will continue engaging with regulators, government bodies and industry stakeholders to ensure members remain informed about emerging requirements and have access to practical guidance that helps them navigate an increasingly evidence-led compliance landscape.

For more information about Certass, visit: Home – Certass Limited

Or for more information about

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A lack of confidence around building regulation compliance – particularly Parts L, O and E – alongside misconceptions about sustainable materials means UK building projects risk facing a dual threat of costly remedial work and significant delays.

The balancing act of compliance

A key takeaway from the industry workshop was that evolving Building Regulations continue to pose a challenge.

The introduction of Part O (overheating) has raised questions about how it might affect window sizes, and whether its scope might expand beyond new-build dwellings to include major renovations and extensions in the future. For now, its strict requirements apply only to new residential constructions.

While the simplified method within Part O places strict limits on glazing-to-floor area ratios, many specifiers are finding that dynamic thermal modelling is required to maintain larger window designs without failing compliance.

Another point made clear by the session is that UK builders and specifiers are stuck in a balancing act, struggling to meet the demands of different regulations that sometimes seemingly conflict with each other. Parts L and O are examples of this – one demands higher insulation and low air leakage, while the other wants to prevent excess heat from building up.

Furthermore, Part O’s ventilation requirements often clash with the acoustic requirements set out in Part E, especially for projects in urban environments.

To navigate this, Eurocell advises that specifiers can consider a more integrated approach – using a combination of acoustic glazing, controlled ventilation, shading, layout planning and mechanical or passive cooling solutions – rather than viewing regulations in isolation.

Thermal trap

The workshop also revealed that the relationship between insulation and solar gain remains a technical blind spot for many, making it difficult to meet Passivhaus standards. Lowering the U-value to improve insulation generally reduces the g-value as well, as high-performance coatings often block some solar radiation.

Arron Crisp, Technical Specification Manager at Eurocell said: “Following the Government’s update to the Future Homes Standard, the industry’s now gearing up to meet these elevated requirements. While the pressure is on to adapt to these new benchmarks and the transition from SAP 10.3 to the new Home Energy Model (HEM), confusion remains about existing legislation, specifically the June 2022/23 updates to Parts L and O, which have already been in place for several years.

“We need clear, actionable guidance to avoid the cycle of non-compliant builds, delays and costly redesigns. Builders and specifiers must be brought along on the journey when new regulations are being developed and introduced. Only then will the industry feel confident and truly ready to implement these changes.”

Challenging the ‘plastic is bad’ narrative

Sustainability remains a hot topic, yet the workshop revealed that the industry is still unclear on the sustainability aspects of modern materials like PVC-U.

There’s an old narrative that plastic is bad for sustainability, but this isn’t always the case. The session highlighted that through advanced co-extrusion and up to 10 recycling cycles, the material lifecycle of PVC-U can span 300+ years, maintaining high structural and thermal performance throughout.

Furthermore, PVC-U offers a significantly lower embodied carbon footprint than aluminium, something that will be increasingly vital as the industry moves towards low-carbon home mandates. Furthermore, the mechanical recycling of PVC-U is a significantly less energy-intensive process than the smelting required for recycled aluminium, contributing to a lower initial embodied carbon footprint for PVC-U frames.

Exactly how the age of plastic and its recycling history might be proven, though, remains an ongoing challenge. While exact tracking of individual frames isn’t yet possible, batch-level traceability and mechanical testing can help to ensure material integrity and traceability through recycling loops.

However, there are options that may become more viable in the future – such as digital product passports or embedded QR codes – that will enable the precise tracking of production batches, recycling history and material composition.

With the Future Homes Standard coming into force, Eurocell’s latest consultation highlights the need for clarity and a more collaborative approach to technical education in the sector.

By bridging the gap between regulatory theory and on-site application, the industry can treat Building Regulations and sustainability goals as complementary and achievable goals, rather than conflicting obstacles.

https://www.eurocell.co.uk/

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Building Our Skills is hosting a women-only hands-on learning day

As one of the top promoters of careers in the glazing industry, Building Our Skills is hosting a women-only hands-on learning day for Women in Fenestration Network.

Aimed at gaining practical knowledge of the installation of windows, the day will include both classroom and workshop training. The day will include an overview of the GGF’s installation guidelines, method statements and risk assessments, alongside the removal and fitting of a window in the purpose-designed facilities.

Building our Skills purpose designed training facilities

Sarah Ball, founder of Women in Fenestration Network, said: “I first saw the training center at the launch last autumn and I have to say I was massively impressed. Everything is designed for trainers to teach small groups of 6 to 8 people. Plus, having the classroom and workshop in such close proximity means that learners get the most out of their training time.

“Having a training day for women is fantastic. It’s designed to give women knowledge and confidence in the whole process of installing windows. It is a must-have addition for women working in the glazing supply chain, whatever role they have, including customer service, processing, sales or marketing, or working within the companies that manufacture and distribute the many components that make up a window.

“We see the support for WFN by BOS as an indication of the importance that women currently play, and will play in the future, in the industry. And having BOS as our training partner is superb.”

WFN organisers are expecting the first session to be very popular, especially as BOS is hosting the first one for free. Further dates will be added with a day delegate rate of £295.

WFN is proud to have BOS as our training partner

Sarah adds: “BOS is an integral part of training for the industry and WFN is proud to have them as our training partner. We can’t thank the team enough.”

WFN will also be working closely with the team at BOS through their outreach programmes to attract more women into the industry.

For more information about the day, call Sarah Ball on 07540 049655 or email sarah@peopleinglazing.co.uk.

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Rebecca Sutherland, owner of Aluminium Fire Systems (AFS) recently spent the week taking her children to visit the different companies she’s involved with, giving them the chance to better understand what each business does and meet the people behind them.

Junior Factory Explorers

As part of the visits, the children spent time at AFS learning more about fire rated glazing, exploring the factory, and getting involved in a fun factory hunt organised by Emma Wright, who created personalised “Junior Factory Explorer” packs for the day.

Armed with hi-vis vests, clipboards and plenty of enthusiasm, the children toured the factory searching for different items and learning more about how fire rated windows and doors are manufactured.

Next generation in modern manufacturing

For the team at AFS, the day was about far more than just keeping the children entertained. It was a chance to showcase the culture of the business, involve families in what the team is building, and give the next generation a glimpse into modern manufacturing.

Rebecca said: “I wanted the children to learn more about the businesses I’m involved with and properly understand what they do. It was lovely for them to meet the team, explore the factory and see everything first-hand.

“The visit was also a reminder to me of how far the AFS team has come and the culture they continue to build as the business grows. Seeing the children engage with the factory, meet the team and experience the environment first-hand reinforced the sense of pride shared across the business.”

For more information go to https://www.aluminiumfiresystems.com/

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The Residence Collection announces sponsorship оf Women іn Fenestration Network’s inaugural professional development day

Premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection, has officially announced its sponsorship оf the Women іn Fenestration Network (WFN) Professional Development Day. This partnership underscores the brand’s commitment tо fostering inclusivity, driving professional growth, and supporting the vital role оf women within the UK fenestration and manufacturing sectors.

As the construction and glazing industries continue tо evolve, empowering diverse talent іs increasingly recognised as essential for long-term innovation and success. The upcoming WFN event is a premier initiative dedicated tо providing female professionals with the tools, mentorship, and networking opportunities necessary tо excel іn their careers.

Commenting оn the sponsorship, Sarah Hitchings, Sales and Marketing Director at The Residence Collection, said: “We are incredibly proud tо sponsor the Women іn Fenestration Network’s Professional Development Day. The WFN іs a fantastic and highly welcome initiative for our industry. Historically, manufacturing and fenestration have been male-dominated fields, but women are increasingly stepping into leadership, technical, and commercial roles that shape our market’s future.

“Women іn this industry need structured support, visibility, and a platform tо collaborate. At The Residence Collection, community engagement and progress are core tо who we are, and we are thrilled tо play a part іn driving this conversation forward іn 2026.”

Key Event Details & Agenda

Founded by industry veteran Sarah Ball, the WFN aims tо welcome at least 100 women from across the manufacturing, installation, sales, technical, marketing, and leadership sectors. The comprehensive itinerary іs structured specifically around women’s progression, workplace confidence, and visibility.

Date & Time: Thursday, 25 June 2026 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Harbour Hotel, Bristol

Headline Keynote: Sara Brearley, author оf Why Won’t You Let Me Speak, will lead an essential interactive session focusing оn communication strategies and workplace confidence.

Industry Panel Discussion: Hosted by Sioned Yates, Director of Access Marketing, this segment features a panel оf women with benchmark career paths who will share real-world guidance оn navigating and progressing within the trade.

Mentoring Launch: Clare Bailey, former Managing Director оf Epwin, will introduce a brand-new, informal mentoring programme designed tо pair mentors and mentees directly іn the room, forging long-term professional guidance that extends well beyond the day.

The event also features dedicated peer-to-peer networking blocks and seamlessly transitions into the evening’s local PiGs (People іn Glazing) networking event іn Bristol, allowing conversations and collaborations tо continue іn a relaxed setting.

Ticket and Registration Information

The WFN Professional Development Day іs an essential date іn the diary for any professional looking tо expand their skills, gain practical career support, and champion gender diversity within the trade.

Industry professionals can book their places by purchasing tickets directly via the official Eventbrite Page.

For the latest announcements regarding the speaker roster and growing network campaigns, visit the Women Fenestration Network LinkedIn Profile.

To discover more about The Residence Collection’s premium window and door systems, please visit: www.residencecollection.co.uk

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The ‘Reynaers Windows Systems Overview’ course forms part of a wider training programme developed by Reynaers to build skills and knowledge across the supply chain – supporting the consistent, high-quality fabrication and installation of its premium systems.

This theory-based training session focuses on four key Reynaers window systems – SlimLine 38, SlimLine 68, ConceptSystem 77 and MasterLine 8 – providing detailed guidance on best practice to ensure accuracy, performance and compliance with current regulations.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of fabrication and installation processes, including fixing strategies, achieving flush-fit detailing, and preparing systems to accommodate double and triple glazing units. The course also explores how glazing options influence thermal performance, weight load and hardware requirements, as well as the importance of correct fixing positions to support alignment and long-term performance.

In addition, the training examines the impact of the Building Safety Act (BSA) on the specification and design of glazing and window systems, helping fabricators and installers work confidently within evolving legislation. This includes insight into system-level testing and certification.

Paul Guest, Training Officer at Reynaers Aluminium UK, said: “At Reynaers we always aim to offer a complete package of support so that our customers feel confident in working with our systems – and ensuring they meet the design specification.

“The performance of any aluminium system ultimately depends on the fabrication and installation process. Our GQA-accredited training is designed to support fabricators and installers in developing an enhanced understanding of the systems to support accuracy and ease of use.”

Underpinning its commitment to training and customer support, Reynaers also offers its own comprehensive training modules. The free-of-charge ‘R’ module training courses are designed to enhance technical competence and cover product specific training, digital tools support, fabrication and blue box training, as well as site visits.

Paul added: “By investing in training, we are helping to ensure Reynaers systems are installed as intended, supporting performance, compliance and long-term reliability on every project.”

The GQA course is free of charge and delivered by experienced trainers with more than 35 years of industry expertise.

It will be delivered on-site at Reynaers’ Knowledge Centre in Birmingham with dates available in May and June 2026. Visit Reynaers dedicated GQA web page now and request further information on one of the upcoming training sessions. 

Reynaers also offers another GQA entitled: ‘An Introduction to Curtain Walling’. Click here for further information on both courses: https://www.reynaers.co.uk/inspiration/stories/reynaers-aluminium-gqa-accredited-assessment-centre

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The qualifications will cover Window and Door Installation, Surveying, Fabrication, Curtain Walling, Glazing and a wide range of other glass related occupations.

NOCN Group is said to be one of the biggest Awarding Organisations in the UK for construction related skills and is a registered charity. It has been operating for over 35 years and are an Ofqual top 15 provider of vocational qualifications. This partnership is said to embody shared values and a culture in which the delivery of skills training and personal development come first.

Within the partnership NOCN Group has full ownership, authorship and intellectual property rights across all products, materials, systems and associated documentation. It has full regulatory accountability for all matters.

Speaking for Building Our Skills, Director Chris Globe said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with NOCN Group on these industry relevant qualifications. It is the natural next step for us as we develop our role in the industry.

“Not only will we be continuing to encourage people to join our industry, but now we will be able to support them on a lifelong journey of learning, compliance and vocational achievement that will help them to enhance their skills and their careers, and to contribute more to the industry as a result. We all know that the higher the skill level of our industry workforce, the better the industry it will be.

“I also want to say how delighted we are by the response from the major players in the industry to our plans. They have committed to working alongside ourselves and NOCN Group on an ongoing programme of product development to ensure that not only does the industry have the qualifications it needs to meet its needs now, but to ensure that there will always be new products in the pipeline designed to meet future needs.”

Speaking for NOCN Group, Laura Randall, Head of Business Development added: “As one of the biggest construction Awarding Organisations in the UK with over 500 construction qualifications, it makes complete sense for us to additionally offer the fullest range of qualifications for the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry, a sector whose products are integral to all build projects.

“Our partnership with Building Our Skills is the perfect platform to enable us to do this. Their connections in the industry and the support they already have is really exciting for us to see, and we expect great things from the work we are doing together and are fully committed to it.”

If you are interested in finding out more information about Building Our Skills and this range of qualifications please email sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk Building Our Skills website can be found at www.buildingourskills.co.uk

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AI Adoption in Manufacturing: A Practical Toolkit from Made Smarter has been developed to support SME leaders navigating one of the most significant technological shifts in decades.

While awareness of AI is high, many manufacturers remain unsure where to start, how to manage risk, and how to translate potential into measurable business value.

Rather than focusing on complex technologies, the guide sets out a clear, task-first approach, helping businesses identify where AI can reduce low-value work, improve decision-making, and strengthen day-to-day operations.

At the centre of the toolkit is a structured “Scan, Pilot, Scale” framework, reflecting how manufacturers successfully adopt AI in practice. It encourages businesses to start with real operational challenges, test solutions safely, and scale only what proves its value in live environments.

The launch comes as AI is increasingly recognised as critical to the UK’s industrial future, yet many SMEs remain cautious. Unlike office-based tools, AI in manufacturing operates in complex, safety-critical environments, where decisions can directly impact quality, productivity and compliance.

The toolkit has been co-authored by Made Smarter North West, the government-backed programme helping SME manufacturers adopt technology and digital skills, and Professor Chris Dungey, AI Champion for Advanced Manufacturing at the Department for Business and Trade and Chief Technology Officer at the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Professor Chris said: “AI has moved quickly into everyday business, but for many manufacturers, especially SMEs, it still feels complex, distant and risky. That is why practical adoption matters more than technical novelty.

“This toolkit is not about pushing manufacturers faster than they are ready to go. It is about helping them move with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure AI delivers measurable impact rather than stalled pilots.

“If the UK is to realise the productivity, resilience and competitiveness gains that AI can offer, we must focus less on isolated success stories and more on repeatable adoption pathways. This toolkit is an important step in that direction, helping manufacturers move from curiosity to capability, and from pilots to scaled industrial impact.”

The toolkit cuts through the hype to explain what AI means in practical manufacturing terms, from predicting outcomes and sensing issues to automating everyday tasks. It explores the realities facing SME manufacturers, including common barriers such as fragmented data and limited capacity, and sets out a clear adoption pathway based on Scan, Pilot, Scale.

Real-world case studies show how businesses such as D Squared Product Development, Ritherdon & Co., Arden Dies and ELE Advanced Technologies are already applying AI to improve design workflows, streamline order processing, enhance customer interaction, and monitor machine performance.

The guide is further supported by expert insight from the Manufacturing Technology Centre, alongside analysis of workforce impacts and the skills required to support adoption.

Kevin Smith, Lead Technology Adoption Specialist at Made Smarter North West, said: “AI is no longer out of reach for SMEs. It doesn’t require major investment or specialist teams to get started.

“The opportunity now is to act with confidence and clarity. By starting small, testing safely and focusing on real business value, manufacturers can turn AI from an abstract concept into a practical tool for growth.

“Made Smarter provides hands-on support to help manufacturers adopt digital technologies, including AI, in a way that delivers measurable results. From initial diagnostics and roadmapping through to pilot projects and scaled implementation, the programme helps businesses move at a pace that suits them.”

Made Smarter supports SME manufacturers, giving them access to expert technology advice, leadership training, digital skills development and match-funded grants to boost productivity, drive innovation, create high-value jobs and cut carbon.

AI Adoption in Manufacturing: A Practical Toolkit from Made Smarter is available to download now.

For more information about Made Smarter, visit: UK Digital Manufacturing advice & innovation | Made Smarter

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Eurocell’s State of Sustainable Construction 2026 report brings together housing market analysis with insight from industry and academic contributors to assess the sector’s readiness for upcoming regulatory and retrofit demands. While the report focuses on housing standards and delivery, contributors warn that skills and workforce capacity remain a critical constraint.

Dr Patricia Xavier, Programme Lead for the BSc Construction Management degree at NMITE, who contributed to the report, said the industry is approaching a tipping point:

“We are at a critical point where we are losing experienced people who can’t pass on their skills and mentoring to the new generation. We need a bird’s-eye view of the skills needed, aligning sector-wide training in a way that is equitable across the country, before this intellectual capital retires out of the industry.”

Eurocell’s analysis in the State of Sustainable Construction 2026 report highlights that the scale of low-carbon housing delivery now being discussed, including retrofit programmes and higher standards for new homes, will place additional pressure on an already stretched workforce. The report identifies a growing gap between rising policy ambition and the practical capacity to deliver, particularly in terms of trained people on the ground.

It also highlights that skills linked to energy efficiency, retrofit, low-carbon heating and building performance are particularly exposed, with smaller firms and regional supply chains often finding it hardest to access training and upskilling opportunities.

The report concludes that while regulation and funding will play a major role in shaping the future of housing, progress will also depend on retaining experience, improving knowledge transfer and building a clearer, more coordinated approach to skills development across the sector. Without that focus, the industry risks losing further capacity at a point when housing delivery and decarbonisation demands are accelerating.

Martin Benn, Head of New Build at Eurocell, said: “Skills are now one of the biggest constraints on delivering low-carbon housing at scale. As standards rise and retrofit activity accelerates, the industry needs confidence that training, accreditation and on-site capability can grow at the same pace. Without that, even well-intentioned policy risks falling short at the point of delivery.”

The full findings are available in Eurocell’s State of Sustainable Construction 2026 report.

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The company said the industry is more innovative and self-reliant than those outside of the sector give it credit for, but it must do more to highlight the breadth of innovation, technical expertise and career pathways it offers if it is to address the growing skills shortage.

Fenestration is still widely overlooked by young people and those looking to change careers, who often opt for more traditional and better promoted engineering, defence and construction roles.

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With the right engagement, the industry has the potential to attract a new generation of skilled professionals who are looking for hands-on, problem-solving roles that combine high levels of detail with real-world application.

REHAU has been actively involved in supporting skills development through its role with the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) in Hereford. NMITE offers a practical, project-based engineering degree designed to better reflect the needs of the modern industry.

“NMITE’s approach aligns closely with the reality of working life,” said Martin Hitchin, CEO of REHAU UK. “Students are hands-on from day one, learning how to apply engineering principles rather than just studying them in theory. That practical mindset is exactly what the fenestration industry needs but explaining that to people outside the sector is where we fall short.”

Through its close links with NMITE, REHAU has seen first-hand how exposure to industry can shape career choices. Many students enter engineering degrees without a clear understanding of fenestration but once they are introduced to the sector, they can see the depth and variety of opportunities available.

One such example is Dan James, a recent NMITE graduate who joined REHAU last year after completing his studies. As someone interested in hands-on engineering and problem solving, Dan was drawn to a role that allowed him to apply technical knowledge in a practical environment.

“I wanted to work somewhere where I could really understand how things work, not just at a surface level,” said Dan. “At REHAU, there’s a high level of technical detail, and a real emphasis on learning and development. It’s a great fit for people like me, who enjoy understanding systems inside out.”

Dan’s day-to-day role involves responding to customer technical queries, supporting complex project journeys, and assisting the technical product management team. He believes these varied responsibilities demonstrate just how diverse roles in the fenestration sector can be.

“Before joining the industry, my only knowledge of the fenestration industry came from White Gold!” he added. “In reality, there’s a great mix of creativity, engineering, digital tools and collaboration across international teams. It’s not a static or boring industry at all.”

During the graduate scheme, Dan was supported through structured training, including opportunities to visit facilities overseas.  He spent time in Germany, as well as visits to sites in Poland and Mexico with his graduate cohort, helping him build technical understanding while forming strong relationships across the wider REHAU business.

“Seeing how products are made, meeting people across the organisation and understanding different markets makes a huge difference,” said Dan. “It gives you a much broader perspective and helps you develop confidence quickly.”

REHAU believes the industry must be more proactive in promoting itself to students and career-changers. The company offers process and engineering roles to apprentices at its plant in Blaenau Ffestiniog and recycling facility in Runcorn.

Since 2024, it has partnered with Building our Skills which is doing vital work to try and address the skills gap in the industry. Initiatives like these, as well as greater engagement at job fairs, stronger links with educational institutions, and clearer messaging around what a career in the fenestration industry looks like could all help shift perceptions.

“There’s a tendency to undersell ourselves – fenestration is innovative, resilient and full of opportunity for people who want to build meaningful, technical careers”, Martin concluded.  “We need to be more vocal about that if we want to secure the skills our industry depends on.”

For more information, please visit: Careers at REHAU

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