Name:

Elton Boocock

Company:

Business Pilot & Thinkivity

Been going to PiGs since:

2022 I think. Basically, first one back after Covid.

Favourite PiGs location:

Newcastle for the location (outdoors on the quayside)

Tipple of choice:

A simple beer or Rum and Coke.

What’s the best thing about PiGs?

Seeing so many friends, and meeting new ones.

What makes PiGs different from other industry events?

You know what you are going for. If you don’t like to network, it’s probably not for you. If you do (and I do!), then this is the event for you. Just real conversations. No other distractions.

Who’s someone you love catching up with at a PiGs event?

So many. Literally. You’ve seen me! (If you know, you know ;))

Most memorable PiGs moment (either at an event or an event in particular)?

I may have done some breakdancing at one. This one time!

Where in the world would you take PiGs to if you could?

Dublin. Great that we now have Belfast. Maybe Dublin and Edinburgh next…

Who should come to the next PiGs event (in one sentence)?

Anyone that wants to build genuine relationships in the glazing sector.

For more information about Business Pilot, visit: Business Pilot | In-depth ERP / CRM for installation companies

Or for more information about Thinkivity, visit: AI for the Glazing Industry | Training & Consultancy by Thinkivity

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With almost two decades of experience in the fenestration industry, Charlotte Hawkes formed Keystone Market Research in 2023 to fill the gap in the market for accurate market intelligence upon which companies can base strong business strategies.

Keystone offers bespoke research support for companies in the industry and produces a series of off-the-shelf studies, including an annual Fenestration Market Statistics and Forecast Report which has valuable market analysis and insights, including the overall size of the UK market, how it has changed in recent years and how this breaks down into different materials and product types.

The company also publishes a quarterly series of Consumer Fenestration Trends reports which look at consumer preferences for different window, door and extension roof styles and indicated spend over short to long time periods in various home improvement areas, as well as regular special features including smart home technology, marketing tools and hardware, with the next issue focusing on aluminium.

On joining the Glazpartners initiative, Charlotte commented: “Keystone joining Glazpartners was an easy decision for us. Our mission has always been to support the fenestration industry by delivering reliable, data-driven insights that businesses can confidently use to shape their strategies.

“A key part of that commitment is sharing our research as widely as possible. Glazpartners provides exactly the kind of collaborative forum the industry needs – bringing companies together to discuss challenges, opportunities and future direction. Being invited to participate is something we’re genuinely proud of, as it gives us another valuable platform to share our insights.

“In a challenging market, access to trustworthy information is more important than ever, helping companies position themselves effectively, uncover growth opportunities and make informed decisions with confidence, and we’re pleased to be able to bring this to the Glazpartners network.”

Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director added: “Glazpart has always developed strategies based on qualitative research. It is vital for any business to know market sizes, trends and to be aware of the extent external events can influence the market.

“Keystone not only conducts thorough research but also produces excellent insightful reports. Naturally, we are delighted to welcome Keystone into the Glazpartners initiative. I have no doubt their technical expertise will continue to help companies in our industry with accurate and meaningful market intelligence.”

If you are interested in becoming a Glazpartner, please contact Dean Bradley – Glazpart Sales Director dbradley@glazpart.co.uk or visit the Glazpart web page: Contact Us – Glazpart

Or for more information about Keystone Market Research, visit: Keystone Market Research

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“PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society’s second event of the year, PiGs Belfast, has arrived!

“Our second event is a brand new addition for 2026, and it’s safe to say the excitement has been building for this one for a while. Taking PiGs to Belfast feels like a big moment, and we can’t wait to see the glazing community come together in a brand new city.

“We get things underway from 4pm with PiGs Talking Shop with Glazpartners, giving you that extra hour to get stuck into some proper conversation, share ideas, and connect directly with experts and industry peers in a more relaxed setting.

“From 5pm, we roll straight into the main networking event, where the room fills up, the volume rises, and the real PiGs atmosphere kicks in. Both sessions are taking place at White’s Tavern right in the heart of Belfast City Centre… the perfect backdrop for what promises to be a brilliant evening.

“And if you’ve left it late, don’t worry… there’s still time to join us. Grab your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-in-glazing-belfast-tickets-1311868507019?aff=oddtdtcreator

“A big part of why we’re in Belfast is down to Matt Thomas of Haffner, who first put Belfast on our radar as a must-visit city for PiGs. Fast forward to now, and here we are, ready to make it happen. Matt also joins us on this week’s episode of Two PiGs in a Pod, where he shares his story and, importantly, his top Belfast pub picks…

“If you’re making a night of it, you might want to add these to your “to-visit” plan:

• The Duke of York
• The Harp
• The Garrick (apparently the best Guinness in Belfast…)
• Fibber Magee’s to round things off

“Whether you’re coming for the conversations, the connections, or just a great night with great people, we hope you enjoy.

“And of course, we couldn’t put on these much-loved events without the help of our sponsors, so a HUGE thank you to them!”

The post PiGs Belfast 2026 has arrived! appeared first on PiGs.

Brian McDonald, CEO for glass machinery experts FOREL UK and Ireland, said: “As a long-term supporter of PiGs, we wanted to show our continued commitment by becoming a Premium PiGs Sponsor, especially as this FOREL cerebrates its 50th anniversary.

“PiGs networking offers brilliant opportunities across the year to meet people in the industry. Over the years, I have attended so many of the PiGs events and value the relaxed approach to networking. Now with the addition of STY News, it fills the gaps between the live events, and keeps everyone updated with what’s going on in the industry.”

STY Master Sarah Ball added: “Brian is one of our longest-standing members, having been involved throughout the 22 years PiGs has been running. When I took over the organisation of the events 12 years ago, Brian has been a great supporter. As PiGs has evolved, he has been one of our biggest champions, and we are truly happy to have FOREL in the STY as a Premium PiGs Sponsor.”

Premium PiGs Sponsors support PiGs through both annual sponsorship and having a banner on STY News, maximising their brand visibility and connection to the PiGs community.

For more information, visit the PiGs website at: www.peopleinglazing.co.uk  or email sty@peopleinglazing.co.uk

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John was previously with the business for 15 years selling into the UK and Irish markets as well as involvement with the overseas distributors and end user customers.

In the interim period, he has spent four years selling machinery into the flat glass industry in the UK for a multinational company and more recently as General Manager, then Head of Commercial in companies within the flat glass processing market.

John commented: “It is great to back at my family firm, and with the knowledge I have built up whilst away, and in nearly 25 years in the glass industry in particular, I am looking forward to reconnecting with customers at home and abroad.”

Tony Day, Marrose Abrasives Managing Director, added: “It is good to have John back and with his added knowledge and as part of generation 2.5 at Marrose. The future of the business, which is 50 years old in October this year, looks strong.”

Mark Day, Marrose Abrasives Director, and John’s twin brother concluded: “I’m sure John will use the knowledge he has gained whilst away to benefit current customers and many new customers of Marrose to grind and polish their glass products using our products in the most effective and efficient way.”

Marrose Abrasives is a UK based manufacturer of grinding and polishing wheels for the flat glass and metal finishing industries. Founded in 1976, the company is family owned, and products are sold in the UK and Ireland, Europe and worldwide.

Marrose also represents Vincent in the UK and Ireland as the distributor for diamond tooling used in the flat glass industry.

For more information about Marrose Abrasives, visit: www.marrose.com or email: Sales@marrose.com

The post Marrose Abrasives welcomes John Day back after nine years away appeared first on PiGs.

In 2004, a fresh-faced, floppy-haired mechanical engineering student named Iain Gray stood outside the IMechE headquarters in London. Snapping a quick photo for posterity, he wondered where his future career would take him.

Would it be planes, trains, automobiles? Would he work on industrial systems, or perhaps the built environment? His future was unknown, but what he was sure of is that he wanted to understand how the world worked and contribute to a better society in some way…

Fast forward to 2026, and a floppy-haired – albeit slightly more grizzled – façade consultant stands in that exact same spot, outside the IMechE headquarters in London.

Again, snapping a quick photo for posterity, he marvelled at where his career had taken him. Not planes, trains or automobiles, but the buildings people live and work in every single day.

Working with steel, terracotta and his personal favourite, glass, he has built on his early curiosity, which has since been shaped by his experience across manufacturing, specialist contracting and finally, consultancy.

Today, he works to bring façade and fire engineering together, helping to create safer spaces, and in doing so, quietly fulfilling that same ambition to contribute towards a better society in some way…

Iain said: “I returned to the IMechE headquarters in London to present at the Building Safety Conference in March 2026, 22 years after my first visit as a student. The same building, the same curiosity, it felt like a full-circle moment, but now with years of experience, challenges, and lessons behind me.

“This time I visited not as a student, but as a speaker. My presentation focused on regulatory compliance and building safety, exploring how a safe approach to façade design doesn’t just end with fire performance, but extends across all aspects of the Building Regulations, including structural and thermal performance, as well as overheating and ventilation.

“Working alongside clients, architects, manufacturers, and contractors, we at BB7 continue to create safe spaces for people to work, live, and play in, a reflection of the same ambition I had all those years ago.”

www.bbseven.com

The post Iain Gray: From student to Director appeared first on PiGs.

The winning project was a restoration оf the former NatWest Bank оn Thame High Street, a building that sits at the heart оf a sensitive conservation area and carries a rich history dating back tо the late 18th century.

Restoring a landmark

When the former bank was slated for conversion into two luxury residential apartments, the pressure was оn tо maintain the architectural integrity оf the Grade II listed structure. Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd. didn’t just aim for similar aesthetics; they aimed for historical perfection.

By sourcing a 1910 photograph from the Thame Museum, the team was able tо accurately recreate the original fenestration pattern that had been lost over decades оf minor changes.

Technical excellence іn a conservation area

To achieve this balance оf historical accuracy and 21st-century thermal efficiency, Residence 9 іn Grained White was the natural choice.

Highlights from the project included:

• 26 bespoke Residence 9 windows featuring leaded glass.

• The use of Timberweld technology allowed the units to replicate traditional timber joinery perfectly, satisfying strict planning requirements.

• While the windows look like they belong іn 1910, they perform for 2026, boasting a U-value оf 1.2 W/m²K and an A++ energy rating.

• Each unit was individually measured to accommodate the irregular masonry of the historic stone reveals.

Overcoming heritage challenges

Installing modern systems into a Grade II listed building оn a busy high street іs nо small feat. The Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd. team navigated several logistical hurdles.

The first being that the building sits directly above an active bakery, requiring precise coordination tо ensure zero disruption tо local commerce. Deliveries and installations had tо be staged carefully due tо the High Street location.

As well as this, dealing with centuries-old masonry meant that “off-the-shelf” was never an option – every frame was a bespoke fit, which maintained the building’s beautiful aesthetic, but added to the challenges.

A future-ready restoration

This project serves as a masterclass іn how the industry can respect the past while building for the future. By securing listed-building consent for Residence 9, Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd. has proven that timber-alternatives, when designed with the soul оf the original building іn mind, are the premier choice for conservation officers and developers alike.

Enis Evlat, Managing Director at Silent View Windows Commercial, explained: “We are so pleased that the R9 windows perfectly replicate the style of the windows from 1910. These windows not only add to the aesthetics but also bring exceptional durability and energy efficiency.

“Our team took great pride in joining this project to seamlessly integrate each window to perfection. We’re thrilled to have been part of this project alongside The Residence Collection windows and fabricator CWG Choices”.

Jo Trotman, Sales and Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection, commented: “This project is a perfect example of how the R9 windows can be used to replicate that heritage feel and look while still being high-performing and energy-efficient.

“The transformation of the historic NatWest Bank offices into modern apartments presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Retaining the architectural integrity of the original structure was paramount, and the R9 windows provided an ideal solution by combining traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge functionality. The result is a seamless blend of old and new, honouring the building’s legacy while providing contemporary living spaces.

“Establishing quality partnerships is crucial to the delivery of our superior design, manufacturing, and installation services that we consistently provide to our customers. For this project, Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd. and CWG Choices played pivotal roles in seamlessly executing this transformation. Their expertise and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the window installation met our high standards. We look forward to future projects with them and to continuing to set benchmarks in the industry.”

To find out more about The Residence Collection, visit: https://www.residencecollection.co.uk/

Or for more information about Silent View Windows, visit: Windows & doors | Thame Double Glazing | Silent View Windows

The post Silent View Windows lands Best Heritage Installation award appeared first on PiGs.

The Housebuilder Product Awards recognises brands delivering solutions and innovations to the housebuilding industry, supporting new home development. The awards are judged by a panel of industry experts, including representatives from the Future Homes Hub, NHBC and leading national housebuilders.

Over the past 12 months, Keylite has focused on developing products that support housebuilders’ transition to low-carbon homes, by aligning with Part L and the Future Homes Standard (FHS).

The ModuLite dormer system offers enhanced thermal performance, exceeding Part L requirements and its ability to be installed alongside Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels supports compliance with the FHS without compromising kerb appeal.

Offering 25 per cent more natural light compared to traditional dormers, ModuLite creates brighter, higher-value top-floor accommodation. Its contemporary design supports usable roof space without the perceived mass of a third storey, a key appeal for homeowners.

Jim Blanthorne, Managing Director of Keylite Roof Windows Group, said: “We are delighted to have won the title of Best Building Fabric Product for our ModuLite system at this year’s Housebuilder Product Awards. We would like to thank the housebuilders we partner with for their continued support.

“This past year, we have focused on developing products that help housebuilders meet evolving regulations, contribute to the UK’s net zero target by 2050, and deliver proven cost savings for housebuilders.

Now in their 14^th year, the awards continue to spotlight excellence in products and systems that support new home development in the UK. A winner’s lunch will take place this summer in London.

As a winner of a Housebuilder Product Award, Keylite has automatically become a finalist in the ‘Product of the Year’ category at the 2026 Housebuilder Awards later this year.

For more information on Keylite Roof Windows, please visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com

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As part of the overall expansion plans following on from the recent announcement about the relocation to larger premises, the South Wales-based manufacturer has completed the purchase of an Elumatec SBZ145 Profile Machining Centre to complement the increased capacity of the new premises.

Commenting on the latest investment, Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s Managing Director, was buoyant about the purchase. He said: “The introduction of the SBZ145 into our manufacturing process will allow us to mechanise the process more, providing better production efficiency and also further enhance our already high-quality standards.

“Whilst this is one of the largest machinery purchases we’ve made to date, we’re confident that this will help us to consolidate ourselves as a specialist trade manufacturer and meet our ambitious growth plans for the coming years”.

The Elumatec SBZ145 features five processing axes which will perform multiple cutting and routing operations on individual bar lengths or alternatively process pre-cut lengths.

A large viewing window allows the operator to monitor the progress of the machining whilst the onboard mobile tool changer with it’s eighteen tool seats allows for quicker tool-change times. Linking to the latest EluCAD software allows the machine to be programmed from both the office and the machine maximising the time the operator spends at the machine.

“The SBZ145 machine purchase reinforces our commitment in the Elumatec range with its reliability and build quality” continued Chris, “and paves the way for further investment in mechanisation as we progress through 2026 into 2027”.

For more information about Fentrade, visit: Aluminium Windows, Doors & More…

The post Fentrade makes significant machinery investment appeared first on PiGs.

As the official police security initiative, Secured by Design sets recognised standards for products that help reduce crime and improve the security of residential and commercial buildings. Maintaining this accreditation reportedly demonstrates FUHR’s continued focus on developing locking systems that meet the highest levels of security, performance and reliability.

The renewed certification covers a wide range of FUHR multipoint locking systems, designed for modern door applications across aluminium, timber, steel and PVC-U systems.

These products are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the requirements expected by specifiers, fabricators and installers working on security-critical projects.

The certification includes the FUHR autosafe 835, featuring FUHR’s DuoSecure locking technology with solid hook bolts that locate into the keep without contact. The accreditation also extends across FUHR’s multisafe, autosafe and panic ranges, as well as the fully motorised multitronic 881.

By maintaining this certification, FUHR says it continues to provide confidence that its locking solutions have been independently assessed and approved against recognised UK standards.

Paul Balfe, Business Development Manager at FUHR UK, commented: “Secured by Design is a well-recognised and trusted accreditation within the UK market. Renewing this certification reinforces our commitment to delivering locking solutions that not only meet compliance requirements but also provide proven security performance.”

For further information, please contact Paul Balfe, pbalfe@fuhr.co.uk

Or for further product information: https://www.fuhr.de/en/

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