Author: Maddie Bell

Sheerline’s Ben Hartshorn was named the fenestration industry’s newest Rising Star after winning the coveted award at the G23 Awards at the end of November. It was one of the most competitive award categories, with Ben up against seven other entrants for the accolade.

He was put forward by the team due to the exceptional and busy year Ben’s had, and how he has risen to the challenges and opportunities this has given him. In a relatively short space of time, Ben has progressed from assisting in designing and testing prototypes in the early stages of the product cycle, to leading product development from the ground up, as well as managing one of Sheerline’s key customer facing departments.

Although Ben was new to the fenestration industry when he joined Sheerline in 2019, he took the skills he gained during his apprenticeship and his previous experience as a tool maker and applied them to live projects. Not only did this help him hit the ground running, but it was also beneficial to the R&D team and business as a whole.

Products Ben has worked on include the recently launched Classic Heritage Door, which was previewed at the FIT Show 2023 in May. It is expected to become one of Sheerline’s most popular products with both installers and fabricators.

It offers authentic heritage features with its lockbox design, making it ideal for period renovations and modern properties that can benefit from classically styled doors. Ben also played a pivotal role in the development of several other Sheerline innovations, most recently Prestige’s reverse butt joint solution which is just being launched.

Alongside Ben’s product development work, he has become increasingly involved in ensuring Sheerline’s fabrication tooling and support is market leading, building on his past experience in this area.

Sheerline prides itself on recognising when team members go above and beyond, which is reflected in the fact that Ben was recently promoted to Technical Support Manager. This role requires him to oversee a team of national technical sales engineers committed to providing unrivalled support.

When speaking to Ben’s colleagues, two attributes that they particularly appreciate are the fresh perspective he offers, alongside a willingness to see the bigger picture, ensuring projects are delivered in a pragmatic way, that work for Sheerline customers.

Ben said of his award win: “Winning this accolade at the start of my career within the fenestration industry reflects Sheerline’s commitment to training and the apprenticeship process. Over the past four years, Sheerline has given me an opportunity to gain a vast amount of knowledge and build contacts within the industry.”

“From a technical and design perspective, it’s great to be part of such an innovative team as this has enabled me to get involved with a variety of interesting projects. I’d like to thank the team at Sheerline for putting me forward for this award and the opportunities they’ve given me so far. I look forward to the future,” he added.

The team at Sheerline are celebrating after winning not one, but two coveted awards at this year’s National Fenestration Awards, which took place on Saturday 28 October at Doncaster Racecourse. It was an extra special evening as the awards celebrated their ten-year anniversary.

First, Sheerline’s Prestige Lift & Slide Patio was awarded the title of New Product of the Year. This coveted award is particularly rewarding for Adrian Redshaw, Design Director, and the rest of the R&D team, as it completes the Prestige range for now, and has already become a firm favourite with Sheerline customers.

It’s also a great achievement because competition was fierce within this category – with ten other products competing. For the latest addition to the Prestige range to have stood out is a testament to the work that goes into Sheerline’s R&D, product development, manufacture, and sales and marketing.

For instance, the Prestige Lift & Slide Patio has recently achieved Secured by Design accreditation helped by its in-built security features, which include high security interlocks designed to prevent unwanted intruders from entering the property.

All delivered with the consistent design options that give homeowners the ability to achieve consistency throughout their home. And all based on Sheerline’s patented corner assembly method, with innovative Thermlock® thermal breaks.

The second award Sheerline picked up recognised the outstanding leadership of CEO Roger Hartshorn as he was named MD/Director of the Year. A fantastic result, particularly as 16 other, well regarded industry figures were also up for the title.

It’s an even better result when considering Roger was awarded a lifetime achievement award last year for the positive impact, he’s had on the fenestration industry. To be recognised by his peers, fabricators and installers two years in a row is a significant achievement.

It reflects what Roger has shown time and time again; that with the right knowledge and investment in both people and equipment, beautiful products that work well, that are technically engineered and innovative, will succeed. There is clearly a demand for beautiful aluminium windows and doors that go above and beyond what everyone expects.

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, said: “We’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the team behind the NFAs–it’s been another tremendous success, and it truly is one of the highlights of the fenestration awards calendar. To see Sheerline recognised and celebrated among our peers and friends is fantastic. Of course, it’s also hugely rewarding to call another one of our products award-winning.”

“We deliberately work to ensure our products are the best, not just for homeowners, but for installers and fabricators too. Last year it was a pleasant surprise to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award–it’s not something that happens every day–and being named Director of the Year is another great win for Sheerline and shows we still have more to give,” he added.

This is just the beginning of awards season for Sheerline, so watch this space! To find out more about the award-winning Prestige Lift & Slide Patio, or any other of the wide range of Sheerline aluminium products visit the website here: www.sheerline.com/lift-and-slide-patio

Sheerline has launched a new Installation of the Month competition to provide an opportunity for installers to showcase the quality of their work. It is designed to be easy to enter to encourage businesses of all sizes to get involved, and get some free PR.

The only requirements are to submit photos or videos each month of projects that use Sheerline products, either via email or on social media. Entrants are also encouraged to follow and tag Sheerline for increased post visibility.

Posts or emails should clearly state which products have been installed, where the project is based, and any other information that may be relevant, such as the colours chosen as well as the purpose of the project, for example, an upgrade, replacement, or renovation.

Entries will be reviewed at the end of each month, with the winner announced across social media in the first week of each month. Winners will receive a £100 Amazon voucher, along with their 15 minutes of fame! Installers and fabricators and can enter as many times as they’d like to each month.

There are no limitations on the types of products installed or the nature of the project. Sheerline welcomes entries that show anything from a whole-house makeover to a sleek modern S2 conservatory installation, a feature framing picture window, or a transformational Prestige Lift & Slide Patio.

Aside from showcasing Sheerline’s products, the aim of the competition is to celebrate the breadth of work of installers around the UK. Any project–regardless of the size or budget–has the potential to completely change a living or work space for the better.

Dave Wigley, Head of Marketing, said: “We know that up and down the country, Sheerline products are being used to transform residential and commercial properties. But we don’t often get to see the end results. Our Installation of the Month competition is the perfect opportunity for installers to share their great work and for us to see how our products are being used.”

“We welcome photos and videos of the finished project, but we also love to see before and after photos–it really is amazing to see the difference new windows, doors, roof lanterns, and conservatories can make to a property. Especially when they are perfectly matched and meet the customers’ exact requirements,” he added.

Sheerline is delighted to announce that every product within their Prestige range is now Secured by Design (SBD) certified. With the Prestige Lift & Slide Patio Door recently joining the rest of its aluminium windows and doors to offer full SBD accreditation.

This latest addition underlines Sheerline’s commitment to delivering the safest, most secure products possible. It gives homeowners additional peace of mind as manufacturers must go through a stringent third-party process to achieve SBD accreditation, the official police-backed security initiative.

Prestige Lift & Slide Patio Doors were designed with security in mind, offering PAS24:2022 as standard. In-built security features such as high security interlocks, bind sashes together to stop unwanted intruders, and are rated to an impressive 4.5KN. These security features are coupled to some unique selling features such as retracting hook-locks with flush-fitting keeps that prevent snagging clothing when the doors are open. Creating secure doors with real consumer appeal.

SBD accreditation clearly signals to homeowners that the Prestige range is strong and secure enough to withstand attacks from opportunist criminals.

Offering SBD certified products is all part of Sheerline’s business ethos, which centres on giving consumers the best possible aluminium windows and doors in terms of style, security, and sustainability, all created around a common system platform –something that differentiates the company from its competitors.

The Prestige Lift & Slide Patio Door was designed to help homeowners create a room with a view. It’s available in dual and triple track and operates flawlessly at any size, offering a maximum width of 6.5 metres unjointed and a maximum height of 2.5 metres.

As a high-performance product, thermal efficiency is in built through Sheerline’s proprietary Thermlock® technology. Utilising a multi-chambered thermal break that is more insulating than traditional polyamide alternatives. As a result, the product offers double glazed Part L compliance as standard.

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, said: “Since launching Sheerline, we have proven repeatedly that we know what homeowners want and we are committed to providing that without compromise–the fact our entire Prestige range is now SBD accredited illustrates this point perfectly.”

“We understand the need to be exceptional in order to standout and shake up the aluminium industry, which is what we’ve been doing since day one. But part of the reason this SBD accreditation is so important to us is because of what it symbolises for homeowners and their families. It provides peace of mind and reassurances that regardless of whether they are in their home at night or away on holiday, their windows and doors won’t let them down,” he added.

Sheerline, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of aluminium windows and doors, has announced it’s now supported by LogiKal software, giving its’ fabricators even more choice when it comes to generating accurate estimations, generating cutting lists and running advanced product specific calculations.

While other software solutions have been developed based on PVC-U requirements, LogiKal is one of the few solutions developed and designed specifically for the aluminium industry. LogiKal has earnt its place as the aluminium software of choice for many fabricators because of its advanced features.

By offering full compatibility, the company is enabling more fabricators to add the Sheerline range to their product offering without altering their established workflows. This is a win/win as fabricators benefit from both LogiKal and Sheerline’s advanced features.

One of the biggest advantages of this upgrade is the fact LogiKal software uses a CAD-based system. This means it can assist with costings, material planning and manufacturing complex product designs. For instance, it enables Sheerline’s fabricators to perform thermal analysis quickly for a specific manufactured product.

This includes U-value calculations as well as wind-loading for their designs. There is also an option to send designs directly to manufacturing equipment, including CNC machines, through automated links. This is an important feature as it reduces the likelihood of errors and saves time.

As a result of Sheerline’s investment, the company now offers its’ fabricators access to three industry-leading software packages. This includes First Degree Systems’ Window Designer, Business Micros’ Evolution package, and now Business Micros’ LogiKal.

Sheerline opted for these software packages as the company wanted to ensure its’ customers could adopt the Sheerline product range using the solutions they are already familiar with. The company also recognises the fact that fabricators need agility, power, and flexibility.

An ideal way to manage demanding and complex projects LogiKal is supported alongside Sheerline’s other packages meaning Sheerline can easily be adopted by even more customers, regardless of their size or their particular system requirements.

Both new and existing Sheerline customers can benefit from the addition of LogiKal as they now have greater choice when deciding which software to use. Sheerline has a dedicated department to support customers who want to get the most from any of their supported software packages, which includes PST for roof customers.

Software Development Director for Sheerline, Adrian Girling, said: “If you are in the aluminium sector and require a software application that can cope with the complex products, designs, and requirements that can often challenge your existing software, LogiKal is the best option currently available.”

He added: “For those customers currently employing, or with plans to employ, automatic machinery on the shop-floor (CNC routers, saws, etc), LogiKal also benefits from a pre-existing, comprehensive library of machine links, featuring most popular machinery-brands. Really easing its introduction into modern production environments”

Basildon-based SGM Window Manufacturing Ltd (SGM Windows) has been fabricating aluminium windows, doors, and sliding patio doors for around 15 years, however, the company has become a Sheerline fabricator partner after choosing the brand’s fully suited and proven aluminium systems.

SGM Windows prides itself on carefully choosing suppliers that offer innovative, energy efficient, secure, and reliable products, which is why the company has chosen Sheerline. One of the biggest advantages for SGM is the that between the two ranges available (Prestige and Classic), every aluminium product the company requires is available.

This includes windows, doors, and the recently launched Prestige Lift & Slide Patio door, which completes the Prestige door range. Every product Sheerline has developed seamlessly matches and integrates, creating a consistent aesthetic and ensuring the products are fitter-friendly.

Other factors that have influenced SGM Windows’ decision include Sheerline’s reliability and agile service. For instance, short lead times are offered as standard, with 12 stock colours to choose from, and fabricators don’t have to wait long for custom colour orders either as all powder coating is done in-house at Sheerline’s vertically integrated manufacturing site in Derbyshire.

The overall performance of Sheerline’s products has also impressed SGM Windows. Both the brand’s ranges offer high-performance U-values, which are helping consumers to reduce their energy usage. In addition, every product is Part-L compliant as standard with double-glazing.

Sheerline’s products offer an aesthetic in-line with industry and homeowner trends. Super slim sightlines enable homeowners to create bright, open, airy spaces, while the choice of colours available (including dual colours) helps customers to create a unique, yet stylish look for their homes.

In addition, it offers lots of styling options; Sheerline’s signature stepped look, flush stepped, contemporary, and flush contemporary. Plus, versatile threshold options for all the door options, including bi-folds and the new patio door, including a concealed ‘zero’ threshold suitable for sheltered installations.

All these factors, coupled with the company’s reliable, UK based supply chain and Sheerline CEO Roger Hartshorn’s proven track record within the fenestration industry for innovative and high-quality products, has strengthened the relationship between Sheerline and SGM Windows.

Stuart Bull, Sales Director at SGM Windows, said: “When we’re choosing our supply partners, we have to think about our customers. We know they want a simple, streamlined process, as well as products that are easy to fit and attractive to homeowners. With Sheerline, we get that and more – it really is a superb range of products.”

“We’ve recently opened a new showroom, which enables us to showcase the full product range and all the styling options available. We invite our customers to get in touch directly if they’d like to see first-hand what Sheerline has to offer ,” he added.

Sheerline CEO, Roger Hartshorn, commented: “It’s brilliant that SGM Windows have become a fabricator partner. The fact our ethos and core values are aligned makes perfect business sense, as it means we have the same goal for our customers, which is a streamlined, consistent, resilient supply chain and products that exceed their expectations.”

Sheerline has been announced as a finalist in the Best Business Initiative of the Year category for S2, its new conservatory roof system, at this year’s G23 Awards. Since being unveiled at the FIT Show in May, it has become a popular option for installers looking to differentiate their roof offering.

The new roof system was introduced in response to the stagnation that had beset the conservatory roof system market, leading to a lack of choice and a drying up of innovation. Launching S2, through partners Prefix and Supalite was a strategic decision for the company, which had already enjoyed success with its award-winning S1 roof lantern.

To ensure S2 is as practical as it is innovative, the development team at Sheerline worked closely with its launch partners to refine the product. Ensuring it offered the thermal performance, ease of installation and outstanding aesthetics the market was looking for.

As well as providing solutions to installers frustrations, S2 also offers greater choice for consumers. The latter is important because it will remove dependence on suppliers who have a monopoly, good for the market as a whole.

Advantages of Sheerline’s S2 when compared to other conservatory systems is the fact homeowners will benefit from the company’s revolutionary approach to thermal performance. For instance, S2 features multi-chambered top caps and ridges that help retain heat.

In addition, S2 can be perfectly matched with every product offered by Sheerline, from the S1 Roof Lantern to the Prestige Bi-Fold Doors, and the newly launched Classic Heritage Door. It will enable the company to offer a one-stop, fully matched whole-house solution.

Sheerline has been named a finalist in not one but two award categories this year. As well as being shortlisted for the Best Business Initiative of the Year, Ben Hartshorn has been announced as a finalist in the coveted Rising Star category.

Since joining the team in 2019 Ben has quickly progressed from assisting with designing and testing physical prototypes in the early product cycle stages to heading up major product development projects and has recently been promoted to head Sheerline’s team of Technical Support Engineers.

His successes to date includes the development of a clip-in bead option for the popular ultra-slim Classic Window. As well as the recently introduced Classic Heritage Door.

Sheerline CEO Roger Hartshorn said: “We’re delighted to be finalists in two categories for the G23 Awards this year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the breadth of work we’re undertaking. The S2 is already proving popular, which isn’t a surprise given the success of the S1 and the latest addition to our roof range, SheerVent.”

“There is clearly demand for reliable, thermally efficient, customisable conservatory and lantern roof systems. It’s also great for the company to be recognised for our people. For us, it’s important team members gain a broad work experience so they can specialise while developing their knowledge and working their way up, which is precisely what Ben has done,” he added.

Sheerline’s slim ‘steel look’ Classic Heritage Door is the perfect, stylish addition to the thermally efficient Classic aluminium window range. Featuring their signature ‘stepped’ look, these iconic doors feature a unique lockbox design, visible on both the interior and exterior, and are available as either single or French doors.

Perfect for both ultra-modern homes, focused on allowing in as much natural light as possible, as well as for period properties wanting to renovate for improved thermal performance and security, while retaining a buildings original charm.

Inspired by the Art-Deco movement as well as turn of the 19^th Century industrial design, ultra-slim aluminium doors are increasingly popular with style conscious homeowners, looking to add the wow factor to their renovation or new build project, while creating a clear visual difference to the old products they are replacing.

A fully integrated part of its offering, Classic Heritage Doors are designed to perfectly match the rest of Sheerline’s stepped range. Allowing you to specify bi-folds and patios alongside either slim Classic or versatile Prestige windows to deliver a high-quality, consistent aesthetic across a project.

Available now, these stylish, secure, design-led doors have sightlines as slim as 60.5mm to maximise views and flood interiors with as much light as possible. In addition, they are Part L compliant as standard as you would expect from Sheerline because of the use of the company’s proprietary Thermlock® technology.

Thermlock® uses an integrated multi-chambered system, which improves thermal performance when compared to systems that use polyamide thermal breaks, enabling the company to achieve high-performance U-values of 1.4 W/(m²K) when the Classic Heritage Door is double glazed, and an A+ Door Energy Rating. In line with the companies no nonsense approach to delivering high performance that is easily achievable.

This is an important feature for Sheerline’s customers and homeowners alike. This kind of commitment to energy efficiency will help the UK move towards the 2025 Future Homes Standard – a key part of the Government’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions in new and existing properties.

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline’s CEO, said: “Back in 2019 we launched our very first products from the Classic range. It was the culmination of years of experience, hard work, and a desire to change the aluminium industry to make it better – more reliable, stylish, secure, and sustainable.”

“The fact that we have completed the Classic range with our new Classic Heritage Door shows how far the Sheerline brand has come in a short space of time. It reflects our ability to be versatile and agile, to create design-led products that remain practical, stylish, and sustainable. We go above and beyond what our customers expect of us and continually challenge the aluminium industry so that it is better for all our customers across the UK,” he added.

Sheerline is delighted to be one of the main sponsors of the G23 Awards for the first time this year. The renowned industry awards celebrate the best of the glass and glazing industry and are taking place on Friday 24th November, at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Well established within the industry, the annual awards are now in their 19^th year and enable the glass and glazing community to display the breadth of innovation and success achieved across the whole industry. This is reflected in the range of categories open to submissions.

This includes Best Business Initiative of the Year, which is a new category for 2023, as well as Fabricator of the Year, Glass Company of the Year, Installer of the Year, and the Unsung Hero Award. The latter highlights the team member that goes the extra mile for their organisation.

To show just how much this person is appreciated, they will receive industry-wide recognition as they collect their trophy on stage, plus a champagne lunch for two at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill. To nominate an individual, all that’s required is 500 words outlining why he or she should win.

This year, the independent judging panel includes familiar faces from the Glass & Glazing Federation, RISA, and the Certass Trade Association.

Last year’s ceremony was hosted by comedian Hugh Dennis and included a collection for GM Fundraising and Hope House, which is an industry charity. Details about this year’s ceremony are being kept under wraps, but it is sure to be an unmissable event.

David Wigley, Head of Marketing for Garnalex and the Sheerline brand, said: “To be one of the main sponsors of the G23 Awards means we are directly supporting and rewarding those within the industry who are developing innovative solutions and challenging the bounds of what is possible. It is hugely rewarding for everyone within the Garnalex and Sheerline team.”

“Industry awards are extremely important. They shine a light on those who are going above and beyond, they recognise talent, exceptional performance, and the best in the industry. It is fantastic to be part of this – we’re very much looking forward to the ceremony in November and the opportunity to celebrate these achievements,” he added.

To help make their innovative, thermally efficient aluminium range available to more installers, homeowners, and specifiers across the whole of the UK, Sheerline have expanded their Sales Team with some new key appointments. Further strengthening the companies reach North and to the South West.

With the imminent launch of their slimline Classic Heritage Door, Sheerline now offers truly whole house solutions, allowing fabricators and installers to offer easy-to-understand, fully compliant products that share a unified platform.

To help spread the message of just how good aluminium can be, Howard Hirst joins Garnalex as Area Sales Director ­– North. Howard brings with him a wealth of experience and looks forward to helping existing customers realise their growth ambitions, as well as expanding Sheerline’s network northwards. He will also cover the North of Wales.

Also strengthening the Sales Team is Martin Hepburn, who started as the Area Sales Manager covering the West Midlands, South Wales and South West at the beginning of July.

No stranger to the fenestration industry, Martin brings with him over 30 years’ of experience in commercial management, business development, and strategic sales planning. He’s spent the past five years as the Commercial Sales Manager (Trade and Retail) for Reynaers.

Tony Basile Sheerline’s National Sales Director, comments: “These new positions, working alongside Paul Greenaway who covers London and the South East, are key to helping us deliver the service levels we are committed to, for each and every Sheerline customer.”

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, also said of the new appointments: “It’s fantastic to welcome Howard, and Martin onboard. Having worked with Howard at both Eurocell and Liniar, I’m confident that we will continue to achieve our ambitious growth targets. It’s good to have him back in the family!”

“With these new appointments, we’re combining the best of tried and tested with new blood to create a strong and experienced team with a depth of knowledge from across the industry. That we’re able to attract and retain such talent is a testament to our commitment to our people, products, and customers,” he added.