30+ fabricators join the Selecta ‘family’

At a time where there seems to be a grey mist of uncertainty and the rumour mills are reporting that businesses within the industry are down by as much as anything in-between 5%-15%, Birmingham based PVCu window and door system extruder and distributor, Selecta Systems, are without doubt a business on the up. With 30+ fabricators already joining the Selecta ‘family’ in the first six months of this year, Sales Director Andy Green, opens up as to why he feels the Advance 70 is proving to be the astute businessman’s choice and why Selecta are ‘bucking the trend’.

A Crazy Twelve Months!
“With Brexit, the triggering of article 50 and the decision to hold a general election, all in the space of a crazy twelve months, have all certainly had an impact on a number of businesses within our industry and also on consumer confidence as they hold out to see how things will pan out. One of the main impacts on many a business has been the fall in the pounds value with goods and materials purchased outside of the UK seeing a number of price rises during this time. Those increases, some substantial and repeated every few months, have unfortunately had to be passed down the ladder with fabricators experiencing continued price increases.”

“What is probably more of a concern to fabricators, installers and consumers, is that with these demands and also to sustain some of these increases there may conceivably be other cost cutting exercises being deployed. Product quality could be potentially affected as alternative supplies are used or material ratios modified which may affect product consistency and performance levels. This in turn may well affect customer service levels with potential increases in customer concerns and add further pressure on businesses operations.”

No Contracts! No Surcharges!
“However, during this period Selecta have been able to remain positive and largely unaffected, owing largely to the shrewd business model, philosophy and nature of the business as a whole. With Selecta being independently and family owned, this has certainly given ourselves that competitive edge by having no outside investors wanting returns on their investments, on top of the turmoil of the last twelve months, ensuring that the business can continue to develop and grow organically.”

“Selecta have been able to ‘weather the so called storm’ with little impact and in fact invest further in our products, services and infrastructure. We don’t tie our fabricators down with any kind of contract giving what I feel is a greater trust and bond with our customers. We haven’t and don’t ever intend to apply any surcharges, which a lot of businesses seem to be applying to recoup potential losses and we certainly haven’t imposed incremental and regular price increases on our profile sections during this time. Again, this is down to our adapted business model and approach.”

No Compromise on Quality
“Another area where we will not compromise on is quality, whether product or service related. It can take time to build up confidence in a product or service of which can be destroyed very quickly through business decisions that affect the integrity and reliability of those products and services. The Advance 70 Window and Door System justifiably remains at the centre of our core range of products. We have invested in the development of the flush fit sash and a new 80mm frame, two products that integrate perfectly within the Advance 70 suite of profiles along with adding the innovative EASi-FOLD panoramic door solution to the system. The reputation and strength of the Advance 70 System and brand is becoming more and more established with fabricators, installers and specifiers as customers look for a fabricator friendly, cost effective and efficient window and door profile system. The fact that the system is fully accredited further enhances its status and capabilities within the market, whilst its versatility is recognised through the introduction and integration of the flush fit sash and EASi-FOLD door.”

Real Service and Support
“Customer service and support is and continues to be a major influence in a business’s decision to stay with or seek an alternative supplier. It’s all about having a broad, flexible and personal service and support package and more importantly one that works for the customer. Not every business model allows for this kind of flexibility, but with Selecta this is an area which we are confident that we can meet and exceed customers’ needs and expectations.”

“With Selecta you speak to and work with the ‘doers’, those that can make those decisions on a daily basis and can provide a flexible service and support package that suits your business. We recognise that every business is different and that you cannot afford to offer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ package, as this may work for one but not the other. This is the key area of Selecta’s service and support, flexibility, something that a number of other businesses cannot afford to provide or are not structured to deliver.”

“Whether it’s a branded marketing support video, your personal customer support contact or technical engineer our aim is to provide a first class service and support package as we welcome you in to the family. It’s this family connection, fronted by our marketing campaign, that a host of fabricators have been able to associate their selves and their businesses with, as the majority have family connections firmly rooted within their business and they have a similar ethos and set of business values as ourselves.”

“Over the last 12 months or so, we have invested further in our main areas of support for customers. Marketing and sales support has seen a host of new marketing brochures and materials, now including personalised videos and e-brochures. We’ve also included a design service for customer flyers and adverts, helping customers to promote their products and services within their area.”

“With four technical engineers covering the UK, your personal technician is always on hand to handle your questions and queries whilst providing an on hand technical support service for you and your fabrication shop.”

Bucking the Trend
“Feedback over the last six to nine months, from all corners of the industry, has been overwhelming and heart-warming. Being referred to as ‘the most active and progressive’ systems company are a testament to the strong team that service and support our customers and the industry on a daily basis.”

“With over 30 fabricators joining Selecta during the first six months of the year demonstrates that there is confidence and reassurance in what Selecta can deliver in terms of products and service. What’s even more noticeable is that there seems to be an increase in installers, whom were buying in frames, moving back in to fabrication as they look to take greater control over their business and be less reliant on ‘super fabricator’ delivery.”

“We’ve also seen the emergence of a number of new company start-ups, an area that has seen a decline in recent years. Homeowners seem to be looking more towards ‘improve, don’t move’, with renovation of their homes now a more cost effective solution. This can only bode well for the future of our industry as more homeowners look for more technically advanced and aesthetically appealing window and door solutions.”

“With the rumours of our industry being down, it does seem like Selecta are ‘bucking the trend’ at the moment and possibly for all the reasons mentioned. Fabricators and installers are now becoming more and more familiar and exposed to the benefits of fabricating and installing the Advance 70 System along with the unrivalled service and support package that Selecta deliver.”

If you’re interested in being a fabricator or installer and want to #bepartofthefamily contact us now on 0121 325 2100 or email marketing@selectasystems.com

The demand for a PVCu panoramic door solution that ticks all the boxes has seen a host of alternatives enter the market over the last few years or so, but none have entered the fray with as much of a stir as the innovative and revolutionary Advance 70 EASi-FOLD Doors. Selecta Systems Sales Director, Andy Green and Marketing Manager, Mark Walker, discuss the recent PAS 24 certification, the impact of EASi-FOLD Doors on the market and why they tick all the boxes when it comes to fabricators, installers and consumers.

Andy explains, “During the development process we worked very closely with VBH and Invisifold in ensuring that the hardware was specifically adapted to suit our Advance 70 System. This was of major importance and to ensure that all avenues were covered from fabrication, installation and operation. We didn’t see the value of offering a universal set of hardware, we wanted the hardware to be Advance 70 specific, tried and tested. This process may have taken longer than expected but it had to be right to ensure that operation was smooth and effortless, installation simple and that the doors were fabricator friendly – an ethos that Selecta has always adhered to when designing and launching new systems.”

“This pragmatic and idealistic approach, we feel, has paid dividends with the EASi-FOLD Doors not only catching the imagination of fabricators whom are looking to offer something different to consumers, but also in the smoothness of obtaining enhanced security PAS 24 certification without any obstacles, modifications or indicative testing. This, I believe, is justification for the time spent in the development stage of ensuring that the hardware was Advance 70 specific. We were proud to receive recognition of this achievement during the first day of the FIT Show with BSi presenting Selecta with our PAS 24 certificate for the EASi-FOLD Doors.”

Andy continues, “Fabricator and installer friendly EASi-FOLD Doors provide consumers with a panoramic door solution that is secure, effortless in operation whilst ingenious in their design and aesthetic appeal.”

The Advance 70 EASi-FOLD Doors are supported by a marketing and customer support package of which fabricators are free to use as part of their marketing campaigns. Mark clarifies what is available as part of this package.

“With the Advance 70 EASi-FOLD Doors, we felt that only providing brochures and supporting literature was not enough to show off the true capabilities and operation of the doors. Flat images don’t give consumers a real insight in to how the doors operate and so we decided that providing a sales video would be far more appealing to fabricators to show off the pioneering panoramic doors to consumers. Through video consumers get to appreciate the smooth operation of individual sliding sashes, effortlessly gliding along the track, lock in to place, pivot and fold with ease.”
“With the added capability to have the video branded with their logo and contact details, it has enabled customers to use it on their website and social media channels, as well as being used as part of their presentations to customers. Customer branded product sales and promotional videos form an important part of our long term marketing strategy, as we provide further backing in ensuring fabricators are armed with the necessary sales support tools to promote our range of products.”

Mark states, “Many customers have already embraced this opportunity to have branded marketing videos, with feedback very complimentary and reports of an increase in customer sales on the back of this advancement in our marketing and sales support service. We’ve also provided a ‘hints and tips’ video for installers of the EASi-FOLD Doors which is available on our YouTube Channel, SelectaTV.”

A pioneering panoramic door solution, Advance 70 EASi-FOLD Doors provide fabricators with a modern and revolutionary option to a bi-fold door that deliver PAS 24 certification, effortless operation and innovative design all from a fabricator friendly system.

Over the course of the three days of the FIT Show 2017, it become quite apparent to Birmingham based PVCu Window and Door Profile System supplier Selecta Systems that the recent success shows no sign of slowing down! Sales Director, Andy Green, gives his verdict and thoughts on why more and more fabricators are wanting to #bepartofthefamily

Andy explains, “Leading up to the show Selecta had achieved a record number of fabricators, not only interested in but also converting to the Advance 70 System and so we went in to the FIT Show on a high. Over the last 12 months, Selecta has seen an overhaul in the branding and marketing of the company and products, whilst also enhancing our Advance 70 range. These factors combined with the industry known awareness of our excellent customer service and support had put us in good stead for the FIT Show and during the three days it gave ourselves another opportunity to measure fabricator and industry response further – and it surely didn’t disappoint!”

“The stands design itself was a hit with visitors and industry professionals whom commented on how much they loved the new image and colours, a total contrast to which they had been used to previously. Our marketing campaign leading up to the show was also duly praised by not only well respected industry professionals but also by the FIT Show event team, as we were shortlisted for “Most Effective Use of Social and Digital Media” at the awards ceremony at the Gala Dinner on the Wednesday evening. Unfortunately we didn’t finish overall winner but to have your efforts recognised is pleasing and demonstrates Selecta’s enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the industry.”

“On the stand itself, we had two brand new products on display, both of which had generated a large amount of interest in the lead up to the show. The Advance 70 Flush Sash Windows and EASi-FOLD Doors were the stars of the stand with fabricators ‘wowed’ by the simplicity of the doors and the fabricator friendliness of the Advance 70 System. PAS 24 accreditation for the EASi-FOLD Doors was presented to Selecta by BSi during the show and it was this product acknowledgment that also provided fabricators with confidence in the products overall performance as well as its excellent operational quality.”

“The new Mountain Oak colour on the displayed flush sash window was a hit with fabricators as it gave the windows an authentic timber styled look with the square lead glass and monkey tail handles enhancing its appearance. Fabricator and installer interest in Selecta and the Advance 70 System was excellent during the three days and very pleasing with so many positive reactions and comments coming throughout.”

“We also had one of our new fabricators showcasing Advance 70 EASi-FOLD Windows on their stand. Again, interest was outstanding with orders taken whilst on the stand, with the fabricator very complimentary towards Selecta’s support in the lead up and during the show, something that had not experienced from their previous system supplier.”

Tuesday evening at the show saw Selecta host a stand party to celebrate their 35th birthday with beer, bubbly, cake and an 80’s / 90’s disco. Andy continues “It was great to be able to celebrate our 35th birthday at the show and it went down very well with all whom came on to the stand. We were certainly the noisiest and most entertaining stand in our section of the show!”

“All-in-all it was a very successful show for Selecta and the Advance 70 System. What we found during the three days were that we had a high volume of quality leads and there seemed to be less ‘tyre kickers’ visiting the stand. There was a solid interest in the products and the overall support package of which Selecta can offer them as a customer. More and more fabricators are being exposed to the quality and versatility of the Advance 70 System and also to the full support package available to them. With that in mind, this is why we believe more fabricators are wanting to use the Advance 70 Window and Door System as their preferred choice and ‘be part of the family’.”