There is a new found confidence that is really flourishing at Selecta Systems and this seems to be rippling out through the industry. Although the company has been recognised as a PVC-u extruder for many years, demand for the Advance 70 system is now really growing. Over the last 18 months Selecta appears to have gone through a renaissance, and this is giving the whole team an awful lot to celebrate.
The company exudes a ‘family feel’ in its approach to business, which is rapidly being acknowledged by fabricators and installers throughout the industry as a major benefit and a very appealing quality. Sales figures are soaring and there are new customer conversions every day. Senior management at the company consider that the focus of a committed team, which has utter belief in all it provides, from products through to customer service, is turning the privately owned company into a major player.
The changes at Selecta have seen the company convert many leads into new customers this year, with developments at the company continuing to re-establish its market presence.
Mark Walker, Marketing Manager comments, “The core philosophy of the company is coming out and becoming more evident by the day. We are finally showing the industry what we can really do and people are listening. This has come about because we are focusing on the core values of what the fabricator needs and we are working with them as we develop the range and grow the team.”
Thinking about the fabricator as being key and at the sharp end of the business, the management team consider them priorities.
Based in Birmingham, Selecta Systems prides itself on the unrivalled technical expertise it offers and the strong marketing initiatives it provides. With innovative re-branding now completed there is a new image being projected which will be launched initially at The FIT Show this year … it is extremely positive and there is enthusiasm in abundance throughout the team.
The introduction of a new flush sash and 80mm frame that has been adapted and integrated into the Advance 70 System portfolio, has caused great excitement because of the advantages to customers, including the fact that they do not have to buy any extra goods with the system. All the benefits will be demonstrated by a very keen team at the show.
For everyone at Selecta, technical superiority, premium quality products and performance standards remain paramount, with a commitment to provide only the best for customers in terms of support services and after sales care.
The exhibition is the ideal launchpad that the team has wanted, to highlight to the market all the new product innovations that have been rigorously developed and tested to the highest industry standards over the last 12 months. Advantages that have been impressing new and existing customers alike.
The Ready-2-Fit range of Composite Doors will be on display alongside the Easifold portfolio, which give customers greater scope for their business. These can now only be purchased via the new fabricator network which has been launched to ensure that only a Selecta fabricator can purchase the products.
The show will also allow the newly expanded team to meet and greet customers face-to-face, where they can demonstrate the finished products on-stand. New specifier guides, that are very fabricator friendly, have been designed and printed and there are now promotional videos being launched at the show that help customers to highlight the benefits of the Selecta range.
Andy Green, Sales Director comments, “We understand what customers need to do to convert leads into sales, and that approach with our tailored customer care is paramount to the whole team.”
For this reason Steve Keyte was appointed Customer Liaison Officer and he purely provides after sales care. With over 30 years experience in the industry, Steve promotes Selecta and its products to ensure that the customers voice is heard back at the Birmingham Head Office.
There is now a direct contact with customers ‘on the road’ that is purely dedicated to customer needs. This gives them a personal service that Steve believes is truly unique.
Steve states, “Other sales teams are very mechanical with data driven teams which can be very demotivating – this service, supports our guys and really helps to boost team morale. It also gives our customers renewed confidence in Selecta.
The company is standing there now as a real leader – people are seeing the benefits of the developments in the range and they want to be part of the Selecta story.”
Investment in the company will continue with further expansion plans in the pipeline. One of the most recent investments was the installation of a second, high-speed woodgrain line, which has been essential due to the popularity of the new Renolit colour foils that have been added to the range.
For Andy Green, perceptions are changing about Selecta, although the customer has always been King when it comes to quality assurance guarantees. As someone with a wealth of understanding at all levels of the industry and in relation to Selecta as a company, he is passionate about the future and the company’s potential.
Andy comments, “It’s not just about providing products and launching new developments here, it really is so important for us to give our customers support. Despite the quiet and and the busy times in the sector, our team has remained consistent and that is a quality our customers really appreciate. The team has remained loyal and that makes us different. Everyone here, including our customer base has a belief in the company and the products. We recognise that.
If customers try new products we want their feedback. We want them to feel appreciated and we want to ensure that they are using products that match their own business needs. Steve builds and maintains business relations, and that, helps us as a team, to maintain continuity as we evaluate comments and make improvements for the better accordingly. Combined, it all helps to support fabricators and the Sales Team.”
For customers the strength of a longstanding team behind the product developments and the support service gives credibility to the trustworthiness of Selecta. New conversions and existing customers alike are flooding Andy Green’s in-box, in recognition of the professional service, quality standards and friendly approach the company now exudes.
Alucare Limited recently commented “…can I say how refreshing it is to see a company focus on quality and loyalty rather than profit and turnover,” while the NU-Window Company wrote, “…we all look forward to working with a company who seem to genuinely care about helping this company grow.”
Realising the potential within a growing market, Selecta is now consolidating its leading market position by introducing high quality products and improved services that yield profits for customers. This continues to remain a priority for the whole team.
Andy comments further : “The encouraging response to the new products and services have already demonstrated very optimistic results. In fact, this company, has never seen anything like this.
We aim to provide customers with only the highest quality products and offer a forward thinking approach, that will assist in the progression and growth strategies of their individual business.”
All new products are considered valuable additions to an already extensive range, which are available for both domestic and commercial applications. As with all Selecta System’s products, the portfolio has been subjected to various independent tests to ensure performance and customer satisfaction.
At The FIT Show this year, the company celebrates its Thirty Five Year Anniversary, which will be heralded on stand, at the exhibition, between 5 – 8 pm.
Mark continues, “We feel as though we have finally been able to lift the lid on Selecta as a company and people are liking what they are seeing. That is providing great peace of mind to customers with more and more companies recognising the superior services and products we offer as standard.”
With a growing reputation for excellence the Selecta team clearly believes that the proof is undeniable, given the statistics, as the company differentiates itself from competitors because of product superiority and a passion to lead by example.
Mark concludes, “With a focussed and driven team Selecta is now creating the right solutions for an industry that requires premium quality products and exceptional support services. We are all anticipating that thirty-five years are really just the beginning for this company as we offer a strong, stable and viable alternative.”
Investment in key staff recruitment at Selecta Systems continues as three new experienced bodies strengthen the Customer and Marketing Support Team. The move further highlights Selecta’s continued commitment to providing their fabricator base with a support package that’s second-to-none.
Donna O’Reilly joins the Internal Customer & Marketing Support Team after previously spending four years at Vision Publications Magazine and her vast experience in customer relations proving a decisive factor in attracting Donna to join the Selecta ‘family’. A familiar face and voice within the industry, Selecta see Donna as an integral figure in providing a hands-on, friendly and helpful route of communication and support between the customer and Selecta.
As part of the Customer and Marketing Support Team strengthening, Michele Statham has also joined Donna and the team in providing vital support to both existing and potential customers. Michele’s recruitment is following 27+ years at Mitchells and Butlers, where her previous valuable experience of customer management will be a valuable factor in her new role at Selecta.
The third new appointment in Selecta is Steve Keyte whom brings 30+ years of window and door fabrication and installation experience to a newly created position within the Sales and Customer Support Team. Steve is predominantly based on the road, with the introduction of new products to existing and potential fabricators his initial objective, coupled with providing another communication link between fabricator and Selecta.
Marketing Manager, Mark Walker, says “We are delighted to welcome three experienced recruits to our expanding support teams and we are sure that they will all become a hit with our customers.”
Sales Director, Andy Green, comments “The recruitment of these three knowledgeable and skilled individuals demonstrates Selecta’s commitment to providing an unrivalled and personal support package to our fabricator base. Selecta wish them every success in their new roles.”
A wealth of experience, a strong support team and quality products are just three aspects of what is seeing Birmingham based systems house company Selecta Systems hit new targets and grow. As they celebrate their 35th year in business, Sales Director Andy Green, explains why Selecta and the Advance 70 System are fast becoming a bigger player in the market.
Andy explains, “The staff, or ‘family’ as we refer to ourselves at Selecta, are focused on what is becoming a new chapter in Selecta’s proud history. With a selection of new products that focus on the fabricator and fitter, an experienced team of employees combined with fresh and hungry new members and new marketing and customer support materials, Selecta has seen an increase in demand from both existing and interest from new customers.”
“We see ourselves as an approachable, friendly and flexible business which allows us to cater for all fabricator types and sizes. We don’t have a corporate styled ‘one size fits all’ approach as usually when that method is taken, flexibility is removed from the business and certain levels of customer focus and demands may suffer as these ‘flexible’ decisions are removed from the front facing staff as they are made at investor level.”
“Organic growth has always been the chosen and long term approach of Selecta, which has proven to work as 35 years in business demonstrates. As the only UK based family owned profile system supplier we connect with our customers. The original values and ethos have never been compromised by being part of a group which has allowed a flexible approach to be maintained as customers grow with the business. Every customer is valued and receives the level of support, guidance and care of which their business demands. This flexible approach works for Selecta and it certainly works for our customers.”
“From initial contact with Selecta a customer will deal with the decision makers and doers, those that can customise a service specifically for them – a personal touch with a family friendly approach! Our team of four technicians, soon to expand to five, provide an unrivalled technical support service that gives you the required on-site training and care to ensure that changeover and the fabrication of Advance 70 is and remains as efficient and effective as possible.”
“Selecta marketing, marketing support and materials have undergone a key change over the last 12 months. A brand new comprehensive range of suited marketing brochures, flyers and associated materials have been created with a bold, modern and prestigious look with greater emphasis on imagery to capture the audience. We’ve also expanded the Marketing and Customer Service Team, focusing even greater on ensuring customers have the relevant materials to promote and support their business, whilst also keeping them up-to-date with new product developments.”
“With Selecta you get a friendly and caring family business which I believe is where a large amount of fabricators can connect with and relate to. The whole business approach has been to engage with fabricators and invite them to #bepartofthefamily and not to be just another customer, but feel part of Selecta. The Selecta ‘family’ is made up of a long list of loyal, knowledgeable and experienced employees with many key staff having been with Selecta for 20+ years. This year also sees Selecta celebrate our 35th anniversary in May and it is a feat that we are duly proud of in an age where we have seen many a system house supplier come and go.”
“Over the last 12 to 18 months Selecta has grown organically, without the need of acquisition and mergers. Continued investment within the extrusion, lamination and transport departments of the business with key recruitments within the core areas of the business has seen the business develop. There has been major investment in the range of products that Selecta offer, giving customer’s diversity whilst ensuring that they operate efficiently and effectively.”
Andy concludes, “We here at Selecta acknowledge we are not the biggest extruder in the UK and we don’t have a board of directors, shareholders or investors to please. We are sticking to what we do best, growing organically with new product development and customer base expansion by providing a range of products and a service that puts the fabricator first, whilst meeting their business demands and consumer market expectations. Selecta has never lost its identity or roots whilst the flexibility of our approach encompassed with a versatile window and door system in the Advance 70 gives fabricators an outstanding package.”
“As I said previously, ‘we certainly are not the biggest extruder’ but we do aspire to be the best, with a first-class window and door profile system and an unrivalled level of service. It’s something I firmly believe we now are and have. It’s Selecta’s time to shine…”
The last six months or so have seen Birmingham based window and door system supplier Selecta Systems hit new highs as a company record of fabricators changed over to and set-up on the Advance 70 System during December, January and February. Sales Director, Andy Green, and Marketing Manager, Mark Walker, talk about why Selecta are in such good shape and what to expect at the FIT Show this year.
Andy explains, “Since the last FIT Show in 2016 there has been a huge change in the presence of the Advance 70 brand in the market. The window and door system with the back-up of our fantastic customer support package has seen Selecta have a record number of new customers change over to and set-up on the Advance 70 System. December 2016 and January 2017 are usually relatively quiet months, but we saw over 20 customers change over or start up on our Advance 70 System. February showed no sign of slowing down with March even busier which has meant that our Sales and Technical Team have been working flat out!”
“Confidence in the Advance 70 System and Selecta has increased as more fabricators become aware of the versatility and flexibility of the window and door system along with the personal customer and technical support package that Selecta supply to our fabricator customer base.”
Andy continues, “We can’t deny that Brexit has affected the industry with the drop in the value of the pound having an effect on supply terms for a lot of businesses but at Selecta the impact has been minimal. The business is in good shape post Brexit, well-structured and without shareholders and investors wanting returns on investments. This obviously gives Selecta a competitive edge and with the back-up of a versatile window and door profile system and a supportive team sitting behind, there’s plenty of reasons why fabricators are looking to the Advance 70 System and Selecta as their preferred profile system supplier.”
FIT for the Show
With the FIT Show just around the corner, Selecta see this as an ideal platform for window and door fabricators to come along and see for their self both the Advance 70 System and its new additions whilst also taking the opportunity to meet the Selecta ‘family’. Mark describes what to expect from Selecta at the FIT Show.
“Firstly, what visitors to the stand will see will be very different to what people are used to in terms of Selecta. Visitors can expect to see the new Advance 70 and Selecta branding heavily featured and incorporated in to the stand. Our headline products are of course going to be our new Advance 70 Flush Window profiles and EASi-FOLD Doors with both of the new products on display. We are also celebrating our 35th Anniversary at the show and so we are having a stand party with drinks and music on the ‘Big Tuesday’ party night from 5pm onwards. We’d love everyone to come and meet the family in a relaxed atmosphere and help us celebrate our anniversary, have a beer, a slice of cake and an informal chat with the Selecta family!”
Flush and FIT
“We will be officially launching our new Advance 70 Flush Windows where the new flush fit sash has been designed to fit within the existing 70mm Advance 70 frame, giving fabricators more options to offer end consumers. We will also have on show our 8 chamber 80mm traditional frame for those that want a more traditional timber looking flush fit window. Our new Advance 70 EASi-FOLD Doors will be proudly displayed with their individually sliding and folding sashes. With no visible hinges on the doors and the only a handle on the master door these provide a sleek and modern alternative to bi-fold doors. We’re looking forward to seeing and capturing the response of visitors to our stand over the three days.”
Mark continues, “With our main objective being to promote the Advance 70 brand, the window and door system is fast becoming recognised as a versatile and quality profile system which is what guests to the stand will see. Making people aware of the uniqueness of Selecta when it comes to service and customer support and the whole family theme is about promoting our core values and ethos of providing fabricators with the right personalised support package. Our flexible approach to ensuring customer satisfaction of all natures is one which we are proud of and are sure that once experienced, fabricators and installers will fast understand where the caring, approachable family message comes from.”
Building on 35 Years of Success
Andy concludes, “We’re eager to ensure that these messages shine through prior to and during the FIT Show thus giving ourselves a greater platform to build on and promote afterwards. This is the start of a fresh new era for Selecta as we develop further and build on the 35 years of success of which we have already achieved.”
As a leading PVC-u extruder Selecta Systems has a lot to celebrate this year and the very positive feeling about the future is evident from the moment you walk through the door. Increase in demand for existing products is generating a buzz around the whole company, while new developments that are due to be introduced throughout 2017 have reinvigorated the entire team.
Talking to Andy Green, Sales Director and Mark Walker, Marketing Manager about future direction for the company that launched their first profile system onto the market over 35 years ago, there is an evident enthusiasm about the future. It is very clear that the intention is to breathe new life into the sector, with a progressive approach and focused direction in taking the company forwards – not just for Selecta but for its customers.
For Andy it is now Selecta’s time to shine and lead the way. Having re-evaluated Advance 70 alongside trends across the domestic and commercial sectors, a number of new products are about to be launched onto the market that will revolutionise the industry.
In a unique move, the Flush Sash Window, marketed as part of The Traditional Window Collection, has been developed from the original Advance 70 system and with customers in mind – providing major technical and cost saving advantages. With simple fabrication from the one system there is no need to buy a suite for the new flush sash and it can be mechanically jointed or welded as preferred, which is a breakthrough that the company is thrilled to be able to offer.
Developed from the original profile system the R&D department has paid meticulous attention to detail in terms of performance, guarantees, market demands and customer comments with a view to providing greater business potential.
Similarly, with the new EASi-FOLD swing and slide door system, which has just passed the PAS 24 accreditation standards, the Selecta team has worked with VBH to adapt the Advance 70 system in a way that provides greater guarantees, and that will ensure there is more choice for customers to build upon new business opportunities.
Discussing growth and opportunity with Andy Green, the idea is to broaden business potential for customers whilst redefining traditional core business ethics that will set the company apart.
Andy comments, “It is very exciting times for us with redevelopment programmes and new products being introduced that modernise the quality standards associated with the Advance 70 System. Innovation, quality, service and support are our key watchwords when it comes to our range.
Equally, the personal touch with customers continues to be a huge part of this company’s success, however, whilst there’s huge growth on the horizon Selecta is committed to customer satisfaction, and still supporting those who have supported us over the years.”
Bolstering The Company
The new development programme has consequently given Mark Walker a far busier schedule bolstering the brand with some subtle but important changes. A new specification guide with concise details and a sharp image reflects the new corporate position of innovation and strength.
Likewise, with Mark the enthusiasm is obvious and his new broom approach reflects a very positive, cohesive team effort. Mark’s commitment and technical expertise has been brought to bear in the new product developments where he intends to give customers complete flexibility and broader horizons.
“We are changing the perception of Selecta through the redevelopments of the Advance 70 and consequently fabrication has now become more efficient.”
Over the last 12 months, the company has earned a hard fought reputation for excellence within the extrusion field and management believe that this is based upon product quality, innovation and the excellent customer services for which the company is now recognised.
Mark comments, “We bend over backwards to work alongside our customers. We are proud of the friendly, flexible approach we have introduced that will help to place them ahead of the competition now that there is much more room for manoeuvre with the Advance 70 profile.”
Technical Superiority
For the entire team technical superiority, premium quality products and performance standards remain a priority with a commitment to provide only the best for customers in terms of support services.
Based in Birmingham, the team prides itself on the reputation it has established over the years as a market leading innovator, with unrivalled technical and marketing support services on-hand as well as quality assurance guarantees.
Already, the encouraging response to the new products and customer support services have demonstrated very optimistic results with an order book that is filling up.
For Mark, the upcoming FIT Show this year couldn’t come at a better time, as it provides an ideal platform for the company to showcase new innovations and additions to the portfolio.
Commenting upon the anticipated performance of the new range Mark states:
“The decision to progress with product innovations has already proved very successful and financially viable. We intend to provide customers with only the highest quality products and offer a forward thinking approach that will assist in the progression and growth strategies of their individual businesses.
Launching new products is always an exciting and challenging opportunity and already it is proving very rewarding. Selecta is well recognized for a wide range of products and is now highly regarded within our target market. More recently, we have gained an excellent reputation as a reliable supplier with quick turnarounds, which is obviously vital in this industry.
Selecta is a company that provides peace of mind and quality assurance for its customers. More and more companies are recognising the superior services and products we offer as standard and are they now experiencing the many advantages to the Advance 70 system.”
Realising the potential within growing sectors, Andy Green has quickly consolidated a strong market position through the launch of new, high quality products that will yield profit for customers throughout 2017.
As with all Selecta System products, design and functionality are of utmost importance to ensure that the perfect finish is always achieved. Via Mark, additional support is also offered in terms of technical and marketing expertise which further substantiates commitment to customers.
Great Potential
Since his appointment, Andy has reinforced the corporate position by establishing a strong, unified team to substantiate the qualities he considers are synonymous with the corporate brand. His belief is that a happy team environment substantiates the corporate success.
Mark feels that with a growing reputation for excellence Selecta differentiates itself from competitors because of product superiority and a passion to lead by example. This fact is endorsed by the increasing number of customers that are placing orders.
It is clear that every effort is placed upon achieving the best results and by adopting forward thinking strategies that can be supported with commitment and a positive attitude.
Andy Green concludes, “With three new products being introduced in 2017 we are already attracting larger fabricators. Thanks to a focused and driven team Selecta will continue to create the right solutions for this industry.
This year sees a new set of corporate values at Selecta and its set to be a great period for the company and its customers.”
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