News

Martin Randall, Chairman of Crystal Direct and founder of pro-PVC campaign Fighting Back with Facts, has been elected Vice Chairman of the British Plastics Federation (BPF) Windows Group Marketing Committee. Martin joined the group as a fabricator member last June and has taken an active role in helping to promote and advance the Group’s PVCaware.org campaign. Martin will continue to work closely with Chairman Jon Skinner and other members of the team to fight back against anti-PVC propaganda and gather support and commitment from key players in the PVC-U industry.

Martin says: “I’m very pleased to have been appointed to this position and look forward to contributing further ideas and support to the Group within my new role. Nearly two years ago I set up my own campaign Fighting Back with Facts (FBWF). I was increasingly concerned at the market’s lack of drive and commitment to counter misinformation about PVC-U from timber lobbyists and others. The aim of my campaign was to shake the industry into action, reaching out to fabricators and installers in particular, and highlight the importance of acting now to make the case for PVC-U. FBWF campaign had a common agenda with the BPF’s PVCaware.org campaign and it made sense to join forces last year in getting the message across and gather support from the industry.

“We have lots of initiatives in the pipeline this year, including a stand at Ecobuild, and lots of ideas for improving the effectiveness and reach of the campaign”

For more information on PVCaware.org or to become a member of the BPF Windows Group call 0207 457 5000. For information on Fighting Back With Facts visit www.fightingbackwithfacts.co.uk

Crystal Direct’s customers now have more choice than ever with the launch of Crystal’s new range of composite doors. The range includes new door styles and colours, side panels and more glazing options. It means installers can offer homeowners a product they can personalise to match the character of their individual properties.

Customers can now choose from seven colours, from the traditional white and woodgrain to red, green or blue, and nine door styles with complementing side panels. The wide selection of glass designs all come with a choice of coloured bevels/tiles to add a splash of colour to the door. Door furniture to match the style and colour of each door is available in Lacquered Brass, Chrome Plated, Black or White.

Crystal has also enhanced security across the range, introducing a PAS 23/24 compliant five-point lock, plus an anti-bump and anti-snap cylinder as standard.

Chairman Martin Randall says: “At Crystal we pride ourselves in being No.1 for product choice. We review our range regularly to ensure we have the best selection for our customers. The more support we can give installers to help them sell, the easier it is for them to sell!”

Crystal Direct generated 23 quality enquiries in October, with almost two thirds coming from direct mail.

Crystal recognises the benefits of direct marketing and consistently sends out letters and flyers to prospective customers every month. Martin Randall, Chairman of Crystal says: “I am a great believer in constantly marketing your business. If you don’t let the market know about your products and why your business is better, how will they know you are there? Direct mail is just one element of our marketing and it is certainly working for Crystal. Each month our figures show that on average 50-60% of our leads are generated through direct mail activity and our good conversion rates help us increase sales.”