Over the course of the three days at FIT Show 2019, Selecta Systems’ stand and overall presence characterised their now accustomed ‘family feel’. Selecta revealed a range of exciting new product developments and advancements, which reinforced the true versatility of the Advance 70 System and embraced the fully supportive nature of the business.

The Selecta ethos focuses on the core values of what the fabricator and installer needs and is achieved by working closely with them to develop the product range and grow the team. Therefore, the FIT Show and Glassex previously, are seen as the ideal showcase to highlight to the market new product innovations and developments, which Selecta have been rigorously developed and tested over the last 12 months. These new product developments and advancements are not only aimed at meeting the ever demanding consumer market requirements and industry standards, but are also designed with improved fabrication and installation benefits firmly in mind. This impressed both potential and existing customers visiting the stand, with Selecta receiving a number of quality leads throughout the show.

Sales Director, Andy Green, commented “During the show, there was noticeable interest from fabricators and installers looking to convert from their current PVCu window and door system or systems company. The down to earth, friendly and supportive nature of Selecta combined with the versatility of the Advance 70 System, the new LINK70 Frame Connection System and upgraded PAS 24 window and door options have proved to be an attractive proposition to fabricators of all sizes.”

“The flush sash with mechanical joints continued to be the big pull for visitors to the stand with the LINK70 gaining plaudits from installers, owing to its improved pre-glazed frame installation advantages of reducing fitting times. The all new PAS 24 options for Advance 70 windows, residential, French and patio doors also went down well with visitors, especially those looking at new build market and commercial sector. All-in-all, looking through and following up on the leads over the three days, there was definitely a quality over quantity presence to visitors coming on to the stand.”

With Selecta, the whole family feel, ethos and fabricator core value understanding, combined with the versatility of the Advance 70 window and door system are seen as major benefits and very appealing qualities, which are rapidly being acknowledged by fabricators and installers throughout the industry.

Andy, highlighted that “Selecta are standing there now as a real leader, which has been firmly backed up by being voted PVC Company 2018 and Systems Company 2017 at the National Fenestration Awards. People are seeing the benefits of the developments in the range of products, services and support packages on offer and they want to be part of the Selecta success story. Fabricators and installers of all sizes want to be part of the family!”

It’s said that, ‘fear to change, can be the enemy of success’ and Selecta Systems Sales Director, Andy Green, believes there are no truer words spoken when it comes to fabricators and installers when choosing not only the right profile system, but also the right systems company. Andy speaks out about confronting that fear, how the award winning systems company go about making that change-over and transition as smooth as possible and why a record number of fabricators are choosing to #bepartofthefamily

We all go through that ‘complacency’ stage in our own personal life in one way or another. By that I mean, whether it’s simply accepting our car insurance renewal, continuing our broadband and TV package or even as I have personally experienced, having moved house recently, changing our energy suppliers. There usually has to be a trigger to change and it’s more than likely going to be either, when an issue arises and you are not satisfied with the outcome resulting in a failure of service or customer support, or a price increase lands on your door mat that sets the cogs ticking and searching for alternative cost effective options. Even then, the thought process maybe to contemplate the hassle and inconvenience of change, whilst also being in fear of the unknown. Phone calls, emails and arranging time off work all become part of the annoyance and the original will to change may never transpire. With the cracks initially papered over by the residing company, by way of promises, compensation or a price review, we are generally happy to carry on until the next issue or price increase arises!

On our travels we witness this same complacency, fear and apprehension up and down the country when it comes to fabricators and installers and their current window and door profile system and systems company. Even when there are issues arising with a lack of quality, service and support, there is still that anxiety and a fear to change. Ultimately it means that their business ends up not receiving the quality of product, service and support, of which the business demands, deserves and requires, with the promises of splendour dissolving in to insignificance over time as they become just another customer, a number or quite simply pounds and pence.

From day one at Selecta, we’re here to allay those fears and anxieties by assigning you with your own personal contacts within the business, starting with your own technician and sales representative. Together, whilst working with the rest of the team, they will help to make your transition to our versatile Advance 70 Window and Door System as smooth as possible and ensure you have very little disruption to your business. Your personal technician and sales representative will be available every step of the way to assist in planning, tooling provision and training, whilst also assisting you with your first order placement.

Selecta also assign you your own internal personal contacts. These are the individuals you can contact during the working day that can help and assist you with your technical, marketing, sales, transport, general requests and everyday requirements. When you call Selecta you don’t get an impersonal voice recorded multiple choice system, you speak to a friendly receptionist who will help and point you in the right direction of the person you need to speak to. That personal and friendly touch carries on throughout the whole of the business and it’s our aim to build up relationships with our customers, with direct access to all the necessary personnel within Selecta. It’s all part of the company ethos.

Over the last couple of years, this honest, personal and open approach has seen a record number of small, medium and large fabricators choose the Advance 70 System as their preferred PVCu window and door system. The recent case study with Trade Frames South West, whom had their own apprehensions and trepidations before ending their 16 year relationship with their previous profile systems supplier, demonstrated Selecta’s ability to confront and alleviate the fears of any fabricator who is looking to change supplier. We make it ours and your business to not make promises we can’t keep, but to purely provide a quality and versatile window and door profile system, a friendly personal service and comprehensive support package, with an honest and open approach, aimed at helping you build a prosperous business. We’re here to build a trusting relationship.

Don’t fear change, embrace it! Listen to how the award winning PVCu window and door system supplier can supply, service and personally support your business on 0121 325 2100 or email marketing@selectasystems.com

Selecta Systems renaissance continues, as do the accolades, with Selecta being voted PVC Company 2018 at the National Fenestration Awards. Sales Director, Andy Green, and Marketing Manager, Mark Walker, who have over 50 years of loyal service between them at Selecta, open up about the recent awards and recognitions, whilst giving an insight to their resurgence.

“Firstly, we are absolutely delighted to be voted PVC Company 2018 and would like to thank everyone who nominated and voted for ourselves in this highly competitive category. This award really does mean a lot to everyone at Selecta and follows up on being voted Systems Company at the 2017 awards. The great thing about the NFA’s is that all the awards are nominated by and voted for by your industry peers, which for me, there is no greater recognition than from those that work in the industry, day in day out, so thank you again. The award also epitomises and recognises the amount of hard work that the team have put in to, not only being nominated finalists in five categories, but also going on to win this accolade. It’s been another flourishing and successful year for Selecta, as the company continues to go from strength-to-strength” said Andy.

“As a team, we work hard to build up relationships with our customers, working closely with them and providing that personal touch, which is so important in a world that has become so impersonal. Being nominated finalists in five categories exemplifies that effort and hard work, whilst being voted PVC Company 2018 on the back of last year’s Systems Company success, really is the icing on the cake.”

Selecta’s and the Advance 70 Window and Door Systems popularity have grown considerably over the last couple of years, with the NFA awards endorsing this positive swing in market perception.

Mark explains the approach behind this resurgence, “As a team we have worked hard to change the misguided perception of Selecta and the Advance 70 System, outside of our own fabricator base. We have always been seen as a unique systems company, none more so than now, with ourselves being the only independently and family owned UK based PVCu Systems Company.”

“We’ve taken the lid off Selecta and opened up to the industry by making people aware of our comprehensive service and support packages, whilst exposing the market to the qualities, versatility and value of the Advance 70 Window and Door System and its associated products. This more direct and open approach, promoting the real values, personal service and reasons to #bepartofthefamily, were all part of an overhaul of our marketing strategy and plan. This very open and personal approach has certainly captured the attention of the market, with record numbers of fabricators converting to the Advance 70 System and enjoying the benefits of being a customer of Selecta and being part of the family.”

Andy continues, “The change in perception and positivity surrounding Selecta and the Advance 70 System, has not only resulted in the business being voted PVC Company 2018 and Systems Company 2017, but also had a major impact on the number of fabricators now converting to the Advance 70 System. So much is the demand, that we have had to expand our Sales team by employing a further two industry experienced Business Development Managers, with Graham Prowse covering the South West of the UK and Richard Reeves, Central UK.”

“We have also expanded our Technical Team with Mark Simms joining us as Technical Support Manager. These key appointments now take our on-the-road technical and sales support team to 10, providing service and support to all of our fabricators across the breadth and width of the UK.”

Selecta Systems will certainly start 2019 with further optimism and enthusiasm as they look to build further on their recent recognitions and record profile conversions. Selecta and the Advance 70 Window and Door System continue to be one of the industry’s biggest success stories of the last two years.

As a business, it’s become imperative to make use of the available advancements in online technology and stay in touch with digital innovations and developments. However, it’s just as significant not to lose the warmth that the personal touch brings and become a faceless, impersonal and almost robotic business. Selecta Systems Marketing Manager, Mark Walker, explains how Selecta have managed to remain connected with their customers and find the right balance between the two.

There have been considerable advancements in online and digital technology and the way we use it to go about our home and business life on a daily basis. It’s reported that 82% of consumers now use their smartphone to research a purchase they are about to make in a store, whilst the average business professional is sending and receiving 121 emails per day! Whether its B2B or B2C, we certainly can’t ignore the online and digital revolution and the need to be part of it. Websites with customer portals, apps, designers and ordering systems, product and social video, and of course social media, are now firmly amongst us and we cannot simply bury our heads in the sand and ignore any of them.

Connect is Selecta’s new online customer support portal, which we have launched to our customer base. Each customer has their own personal log in details, which allows them to access marketing, technical and general information, from brochures to an image library, through to technical test reports and product certifications, price lists and order forms. It is a comprehensive library of everything connected to the customer and Selecta, whilst also allowing them to order hard copy marketing brochures and flyers. Connect is simplistic and easy to navigate, with the intention to expand the support centre with designers and ordering systems.

Connect also features a customer specific news section, with latest news and information for customers and also a quick enquiry function for any requests or questions. A news or update alert system is planned to be introduced as and when any information is added, to ensure customers are informed as quickly as possible and kept up to date. Connect allows us to share and provide information to our customers 24/7, 365 days a year.

Although at Selecta we continue to embrace the technology available to us, with the introduction of online systems, product sales videos, social media etc. we still firmly believe in ensuring that the personal touch does not escape the customer, even when combining the two! For instance we provide our customers with the opportunity to have branded electronic brochures and product sales videos, whilst also giving them the facility to use our bespoke in-house design service.

The design service is used for a whole host of requirements, from helping a customer to rebrand, designing them a new logo, assisting with website and social media content, all the way through to bespoke flyers and adverts, to aid marketing and promotions. This is very popular with newly converted customers, who see the change to Selecta and the Advance 70 System as the ideal opportunity to rebrand and freshen up their approach. This is all done in-house as part of the package that Selecta provides, with customers dealing direct with people at the heart of company.

Life, in all its glory, has become very impersonal with more and more automated and computerised systems, which are introduced to improve efficiencies and speed up processes. Our lives seem to have become busier and more complicated, but with that comes impatience, wanting things quicker. Something that Selecta recognises is that many still prefer the comfort of being able to pick up the phone and speak directly to a person, and one that understands them and their business. They don’t want to call John in customer services one day, then Alice the next day, who have no idea of them or their business and have to go through endless channels to get a simple yes or no answer. It’s about creating relationships, speaking to the ‘doers’, that’s where Selecta excel and it’s what sets us apart from the competition. We want to, and continue to, connect with all of our customers across all channels, in whatever format suits them. It’s what we do.

Selecta Systems, are revelling in the success of being nominated as finalists in no less than five categories at the National Fenestration Awards. Sales Director Andy Green, talks about the nominations and why Selecta are beginning to win accolades and be firmly recognised as one of the fastest growing and most progressive PVCu window and door system houses.

“Firstly, we are absolutely thrilled to have been nominated as finalists in five categories at the National Fenestration Awards 2018. The great thing about the NFA’s is that all the awards are nominated for by your industry peers, which for me, there is no greater recognition than from those that work in the industry, day in day out, so thank you again.”

“Having been voted Systems Company 2017 at last year’s awards, we are delighted to be able to defend our crown at this year’s awards as well as being nominated for PVC Company, New Product of the Year, Social Networker and Fabricator / Manufacturer. The nominations epitomise and recognise the amount of hard work that the team have put in over the last couple of years, as Selecta goes from strength to strength” says Andy.

It is quite clear that Selecta’s presence and activity in the market has grown considerably over the last couple of years, as has the popularity of the Advance 70 Window and Door System and the service and support package of which Selecta provides. The NFA nominations endorse this, combined with perseverance, hard work and a positive swing in market perception.

The change in perception and positivity surrounding Selecta and the Advance 70 System, has not only resulted in Selecta being nominated finalists in five categories at the National Fenestration Awards, but it has also had a major impact on the number of fabricators now converting to the Advance 70 System and choosing to #bepartofthefamily, as Andy highlights.

“Over the last 18 months or so, over 80+ fabricators have been converted to our Advance 70 System. This is an amazing achievement when you consider that the industry as a whole is, reportedly, between 5 and 15% down over the year. We have really opened the industries eyes in to what Selecta has to offer whilst attracting a broad array of customers of all sizes. Having customers visit our site, meet and greet the Selecta ‘family’ and leave totally impressed with the state-of-the-art extrusion and distribution facilities has been immensely satisfying.”

“Being nominated finalists in five categories, on the back of converting a record number of fabricators, really demonstrates the progress we have made and puts Selecta and the Advance 70 System firmly in the spotlight. I would personally like to thank everyone involved in our recent achievements, which are already looking likely to continue in to the New Year with some exciting growth and expansion plans just around the corner.”

Selecta Systems certainly look in to the future with optimism and enthusiasm as they look to build further on one of the industry’s biggest success stories of the last couple of years. Fabricators, installers and specifiers, it’s time to #bepartofthewinningfamily

Over the course of the last ten years there has been a steady decline year-on-year in the number of PVCu window and door fabricators operating within the UK. Nevertheless, the number of window, door and conservatory installation businesses has increased over the last few years, with a surge in small installation businesses. Selecta Systems Sales Director, Andy Green, analyses the figures to see where opportunities lie and the potential hidden pitfalls.

I read with great interest the most recent and excellent Industry Report produced by Insight Data. The figures make thought-provoking reading and are certainly in line with what we’ve seen as a profile systems company. However, what is interesting, is that over the last twelve months, we have seen an increase in installers moving in to fabrication, with the clear reasoning being, to ‘take back control’ of their business.

Taking Back Control
The rationale behind this ‘taking back control’ spate has been clear and concise. Installers have recognised that ‘buying in’ manufactured products removes any control over the fabrication, quality and service provided and any supplier failings significantly affects their installation business. Failure to deliver on time, or poorly and incorrectly fabricated products are the main issues raised, with both causing installation headaches of which they have no control over. These have damaging knock on effects to their installation business, not only their reputation, but also on the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations.

There’s nothing worse for installers than booking in a job, their customer having time off work and then having issues where the product hasn’t arrived or damaged during transit or when there are mechanical and fabrication problems, when fitting on site. The majority of these issues may not be able to be resolved by the installation company, whereas if they were fabricating, they could apply their own corrective actions and also have greater control what goes out the door and when. As for delivery timescales, why wait when you can fabricate?

I’m not saying this is the case everywhere for fabrication and installation companies, but there is certainly an increase in installers wanting to be in control of their own destiny, with a number starting to and showing increasing interest in the fabrication of our Advance 70 System of late. Selecta have a strong and successful history of setting up fabricators and fabrication facilities from scratch and assisting in all aspects of the process from layout and floor plan design to full blown training, with your own personal technician making the transition as smooth as possible.

The increase in installation companies represents further opportunities to fabricators, whom may not have considered supplying the trade previously. The prospect of diversifying and expanding your fabrication business to meet installation companies demands is appealing to many, with there now being over 9,000 installers fitting between 1 – 25 windows and doors per week, out of approximately 13,000 installation companies. Provide a quality range of products, backed up with a solid service and support package and this is where there are added business opportunities at your disposal.

Service and Support is Key
Whether you’re a fabricator or installer, our aim at Selecta is to provide a service and support package that suits everyone, from sales to delivery, technical to marketing. We have an extensive range of retail based marketing brochures, literature and sales videos, whilst providing a branding service on all electronic versions for use on your website and social media channels. A series of trade sales and technical information sheets are available to fabricators to provide product specification and promote the window and door range to trade customers and installers.

There is further back up from our four strong team of technical engineers, whom have a wealth of industry fabrication and installation experience, and provide a personal and first-rate technical support service for you and your business.

With the Advance 70 System now firmly recognised as one of the leading and most versatile window and door profile systems, whether you are fabricating, installing or both, you can be sure of a quality and comprehensive range of window and door solutions at your disposal.

It is vitally important whether you’re a fabricator, installer or both that you have, not only the right window and door profile system, but also the right supplier that can service and support you and you’re business. This I believe is essential in building a successful business partnership. Fabricators and installers are firmly recognising the benefits of working with the fastest growing and award winning PVCu System Houses and a versatile window and door profile system in the Advance 70 System.

With the emergence of a number of TV programmes, like Grand Designs, these have whet the appetite of the home improvement customer whilst enhancing the appeal of creating a grand entrance to their homes. Selecta Systems Sales Director, Andy Green, talks about how doors have evolved, from being just a door, as fabricators and installers take advantage and look forward to opening up new doors of opportunity.

The entrance to any home serves three main purposes; to act as a welcome to the homeowner, family and friends, to keep unwanted visitors out and also to protect the property from inclement weather. The latter two have improved considerably over the years, with PAS 24 and Secured by Design standards, whilst energy ratings have set the mould when it comes to thermal performance. Security, thermal performance and weather performance are now a given and are expected, but for the homeowner, expectations have grown as they look about enhancing kerb appeal and providing that wow factor.

Long gone are the days when a panelled PVCu door, available in White, Mahogany or Golden Oak, were suffice to satisfy the market. The number of door options and styles has grown considerably, thus giving the home owner greater choice. This has also created a line of new businesses offering just doors, such is the appeal and consumer demand, as the door market continues to grow.

One of the greatest appeals of modern doors is colour choice, as this now gives homeowners the opportunity to really create a bespoke and grand entrance to their home, their own personal touch, setting them apart from neighbouring properties. Combined with a comprehensive range of door styles, glass designs, hardware and furniture options, entrance doors have become more than just an add-on, they are an in demand commodity driven by the homeowners desire to create an entrance they are proud of and comfortable to live with.

To assist fabricators within this keenly fought market, Selecta have exclusively launched to our fabricators a composite door kit, comprising of a pre-routed slab, TriSys glazing cassette, choice of locks, hardware and furniture with glass options, all packaged up ready for the fabricator to hang in our own standard Advance 70 door frame. This improves delivery, cost effectiveness and stock holding, plus providing greater control over efficiencies and quality. This, we believe, provides fabricators with a far more effective solution to supply both the trade and retail customer and take advantage of a growth market.

The same can be said for panoramic sliding door solutions as homeowners look to create their own grand design. The opportunity to open up their living space and create large glazed walls is appealing, particularly when extending properties. The patio door is going through a renaissance period, whilst the introduction of swing and slide panoramic doors, like the EASi-FOLD Doors, have captured the imagination of the home improvers. The innovative and revolutionary EASi-FOLD Doors are an alternative to a bi-fold door and are appropriately named because of the simplicity of operation, with each sash sliding independently and folding in to place alongside the master door. It’s these kind of innovations that give the home improvement market a new and fresh approach to standard offerings as consumers look for the latest advancements in pioneering product design to improve their home and lifestyle.

Doors are no longer an add-on to a property. They’ve become more than just a door. A chic choice to fit in with their lifestyle. A security option to protect their family and home. A thermally efficient decision to reduce energy bills. They’re a product that the fashion and technical conscious consumer is ready to invest in and create that grand entrance to their home.

Selecta Systems have introduced an all new marketing support package that consists of a set of marketing brochures and literature, and Connect, a website based Selecta Support Centre for their ever growing fabricator and installer base. Marketing Manager, Mark Walker, explains what’s new and the idea behind the new marketing support materials.

“We launched a big and bold full product brochure just over 12 months ago, featuring 44 pages of stunning images and information relating to our full product range, titled ‘Your Home Made Beautiful’. The brochure has proved immensely popular and so following on from that success, we have now launched a series of supporting retail based 12 page mini-brochures, with one for each product. What this means is that the consumer now has more information and images from the product dedicated brochures, whilst our fabricators and installers have a professional and exquisite range of sales support materials to promote their products. This is important, as any marketing materials that we provide are a representation of not just Selecta and our products, but more notably, our customers business.”

Mark continues, “We have extended the marketing support brochures further by adding Sales & Technical Information Sheets to the range, which focus more on the trade and commercially minded customers’ requirements. So whether you are a fabricator who’s supplying the retail market or trade customers and commercial projects, our marketing brochure packs are fully complimented and support these markets.”

“The new marketing and sales support brochures are also available to customers as digital flip books and can be embedded in to their websites or used upon their social media channels, giving total flexibility in their use across all channels. Also new to Selecta customers is the ability to have the digital brochures branded with your logo and contact details, thus giving them the personal touch.”

Following on from the new marketing brochures and literature, a web based Selecta Support Centre, Connect, is due to be launched. Connect will initially provide customers with the complete range of marketing and technical support materials, which will be available 24/7 and 365 days a year through a dedicated online customer portal. Connect will also enable customers to interact with Selecta more freely and it has also been designed to expand and provide further sales and support tools, product designers and online ordering systems.

Mark explains, “Customers having direct and immediate access to the whole range of marketing and technical information is of importance and access will be fast and easy through their own personal login details. An asset library of imagery, brochures, marketing and technical information sheets, product videos, fabrication and installation guides, order forms and the like, will be easily accessible at any time. Connect will be an online portal full of the latest and most up to date information available at your fingertips, any time, day or night. Expansion plans are firmly in place to take Connect further forward and become the complete online support centre.”

“Although we are very excited about the launch of Connect and using the advancements in technology, we still firmly believe in providing the personal touch. Donna and Michele provide this internally by looking after more customer specific marketing and sales support requests, whilst also delivering that vital communication link between supplier and customer. This is further backed up by Steve and Dave, whom cover the length and breadth of the UK, supporting our increasing customer base.”

“We firmly recognise that it is important that we have a support package that can be accessed when required, compliment the full range of products on offer and also that it is of real value to the customer. We are totally focused on providing a support package that is not only suitable for every size of customer, but one that also has and continues to provide that personal touch. ”

Providing a first-rate personal and attentive service and support package is what Selecta, the only UK based independently and family owned PVCu systems house, are renowned for with further investments planned within this area during 2018. These exciting plans include retail based product videos, which customers can have branded and used on customers websites, social media channels and presentations.