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CARD HAPPY AT TURKINGTON

Turkington Windows and Conservatories this week praised the skills of their installation teams by formally presenting them with their Construction Skills Registration (CSR) cards. Health and safety is playing an increasingly important role in construction as the entire industry seeks to address its previous poor record in this area. Turkington have recognised the importance of this by ensuring all their installation and fitting teams are CSR registered.

Installation Manager Nigel Gregson said, "most of our is carried out in the home, our teams need to provide a high quality service, and to be able to work quickly, safely and professionally. It is very important to us, and our customers, that our installation teams are highly skilled and fully competent. CSR recognises those skills as well as providing vital health and safety training for the workplace and home".


Marketing Manager Cary Hindman added, "We take great pride in the quality of our product and service. In 2004 we had a near perfect satisfaction rating with 96% of our customers happy to recommend us to family or friends. We want to maintain our position as market leader, and our installation teams are key to that aim, we are delighted that all teams are now CSR registered".

All CSR related training was conducted using Construction Industry Training Board Accredited CSR Scheme Providers. Deborah Campbell, Training Advisor, CITB, said "CITB are delighted that all installation teams at Turkington Windows & Conservatories have achieved their CSR card. This shows a commitment to health and safety on the part of the company and is an example to others in the industry". Turkington are market leaders in Northern Ireland for PVCu windows, doors and conservatories, they are active members of the Glass and Glazing Federation and the Conservatory Association. They have been in business for over 50 years, they have a manufacturing base and showroom in Portadown, and additional showrooms in Belfast and Ballymena.

For more information on CSR call 0800 783 9321 or log on to www.citbni.org.uk , to contact Turkington Windows & Conservatories call 0800 028 1812 or go to www.turkington-windows.com
 

TURKINGTON FLY THE FLAG FOR PORTADOWN

Portadown based company Turkington Windows & Conservatories today announced the capture of a major new commercial contract worth over £450,000 in North Wales.

Turkington were successful in a competitive tender process for the contract to install new Secured by Design doors to homes for Flintshire county council in North Wales.

Stephen Gamble, contracts manager for Turkington commented, "Our tender was successful for a number of reasons, obviously price as always is a key factor, but Flintshire county council were particularly impressed with the level of service we had to offer as well as the quality of our product and installation."

Whilst Turkingtons have a lot of experience in this type of contract, having been responsible for many such projects throughout the UK, this is their first foray into the Welsh market and they are keen to impress their new contract partners with a high quality offering.

The contract in Flintshire is part of the 'Better Homes' initiative, which is gathering momentum across the UK. Local housing associations, housing partnerships and councils throughout the UK are investing heavily in housing stock in a bid to improve quality of life and accommodation for tenants. A key feature of these contracts is the specification of the product being installed. Turkington are now one of only a handful of companies in Northern Ireland who can manufacture Secured by Design windows and doors. This specification ensures the security of the door against attack or break in and is independently tested and verified to British Standard 7950.




Stephen Gamble continued "…the social housing market is a market we are keen to progress, and a market which represents a real opportunity for Turkingtons. Over the next 10years many of these housing projects will come up for tender, we are determined to fly the flag for Portadown and be successful in securing even more of these contracts."
 
TURKINGTON LAUNCH SUN LOUNGES AT SELF-BUILD SHOW

Portadown based company Turkington Windows & Conservatories this week added a new product to its ever-growing portfolio. The company, who have been a major fabricator and installer of PVCu windows for over 20 years, this week, formally launched traditionally finished Sun Lounges as a new product offering.

Turkington took the plunge by hosting a stand at the Self Build, Extend & Renovate Show in the King's Hall, Belfast, between 18-20th February. This prestigious event attracted around 200 exhibitors, with visitor numbers in the region of 15,000 comprising not only of self builders, but also architects, surveyors and engineers. Sun Lounges represent a new product diversification for Turkington, which they hope will represent a real opportunity for new sales lead generation. The remainder of the space was utilised to showcase the company's window and door portfolio.

General Manager, Ian Young said, "…moving into Sun Lounges really is a very natural growth opportunity for us. We have been manufacturing and installing first-class conservatories for almost 20 years now. We recognised an increasing demand for high quality traditional Sun Lounges and realised


that this would complement our existing window and conservatory business. We have had excellent feedback from the Self-Build Show and we are confident that we can forge ahead with Sun Lounges as a new opportunity. We have put together some terrific packages and introductory offers to our first customers, and we are looking forward to growing this sector of our business"
 
TURKINGTON OPEN NEW DOORS FOR CAROL

When one door closes…then another opens, and another and another and another!! This was certainly the case for Carol Johnston who, after purchasing a new coloured PVC door from Turkington Windows and Conservatories, won a brand new 5 door MG Streetwise worth £10,000.

Turkingtons announced a free draw for the MG Streetwise earlier this year to promote the launch of their new designs for windows, conservatories and coloured doors. Carol, who picked up her car at Turkingtons manufacturing base in Portadown this week, was delighted with her 5 new doors, not to mention her four new wheels.


"It's terrific, I'm thrilled. I bought a new door in March, which Turkingtons installed for me. I then got a call from Turkingtons some time later to say I'd won the car, I am over the moon." said Carol. General Manager Ian Young said, "Here at Turkingtons we are always very keen to bring added value and develop new product ranges and offers for our customers. Over the last 50 years we have built an unrivalled reputation for quality and value. We intend to build on that reputation and will be working hard over coming months, to develop exciting new
offers and great deals for all our customers."

Turkington Windows and Conservatories are members of the Glass and Glazing Federation and the Conservatory Association. Turkingtons have been in business in Northern Ireland for over 50 years, and have showrooms in Belfast, Ballymena and Portadown.
 
RAISING THE ROOF ON CUSTOMER CONFIDENCE
Conservatory Company Gains FMB-backed Quality Assurance

Portadown-based Turkington Windows & Conservatories has recently gained accreditation to the K2 Approved Installer Scheme after meeting the strict entry criteria. The nationally recognised quality assurance scheme, backed by the Federation of Master Builders, will give Turkington customers complete confidence in their workmanship, along with a 10-year MasterBond Warranty on all work carried out.

The K2 Approved Installer Scheme was launched by leading conservatory roof systems manufacturer K2, earlier this year and Turkington has undergone a lengthy and in-depth audit process in order to qualify for the initiative, which has been heralded as the most stringent in the home improvement sector. Turkington, one of the most established names in Northern Ireland's conservatory industry, have been installing conservatories for 20 years and currently build around 150 conservatories per year. It's new status as a K2 approved installer will help ensure potential customers have an independent verificationof the company's admirable track record.





Explains Managing Director of K2, Sally Fielding: "Most householders are concerned that they run the risk of hiring a 'cowboy builder' when they want to improve their home - but we believe they shouldn't need to be. At K2, we are meticulous in ensuring everything we do is quality managed to the highest standards, from procurement, through to product development, production and customer service. We wanted to pass this confidence on to the end customer and, while we were able to vouch for the quality of the product, managing the quality of each installation through a third party was more of a challenge. With the new scheme, we can ensure that our installers are thoroughly audited and are required to comply with a wide-ranging customer commitment. Unlike other schemes, there is no automatic entry into the scheme, the only companies to be accredited are those that have really made the grade - and we are delighted to announce that Turkington has reached the high standards required to be a K2 Approved Installer."

The scheme was designed in association with the Federation of Master Builders, one of the UK's most respected trade bodies with a 60-year history of excellent standards. As a condition of joining the scheme, Approved Installers must meet the stringent conditions of FMB membership as a Warranted Builder, adhere to the FMB code of practice and provide a 10-year MasterBond Warranty with every installation.

Said Ian Young, General Manager of Turkington's: "We aim to be the benchmark in the home improvement market. Joining the Approved Installer Scheme allows us to offer a package that not only gives quality product and service, but now also provides the homeowner with complete peace of mind."

Turkington has been in business for over 50 years and has been installing windows and conservatories for the past 20. As a leading installer in Northern Ireland with twelve installation teams working across the province, the company was keen to be involved in the scheme in order to provide its customers with assurance of the quality of its conservatories, both in design and installation.

Ian Young continued: "K2's extensive product range and excellent technical support has meant we have always been able to offer customers complete confidence in an excellent end product. Joining the Approved Installer Accreditation involved a thorough audit procedure that has encouraged us to examine how we serve our customers and enhance our operations. It has also formalised our customer commitment, providing a credible endorsement from an independent body, that will enable homeowners to be really sure of the excellent standards they'll receive from us."

 
TURKINGTON SECURE £16 MILLION CONTRACT

Turkington secure contract award for new Juvenile Justice Centre
Safe and secure modern accommodation providing a positive environment in which to address offending behaviour is at the heart of the proposed new £16.8 million facility for juvenile offenders in Northern Ireland, Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson said today.
Announcing the awarding of the construction contract for the Centre to JH Turkington & Sons, David Hanson said, “This new purpose built Centre will provide safe, modern and secure accommodation where offending behaviour can be addressed and young people can prepare for successful re-integration into their communities”

“The main juvenile custodial facility in Northern Ireland, the new Centre will provide

              (Illustration of the design of the new
                       Juvenile Justice Centre
)
places for up to 48 young people aged 10-17 placed in custody by the Courts. It will replace the existing Juvenile Justice Centre at Rathgael and is expected to be fully operational by January 2007.
“The building will be fit for purpose and will meet the needs of young people and staff. Its design ensures privacy for both young offenders and local residents.”

Commenting on the Rathgael project MD of Turkington Jim McKeag said "JH Turkington first became involved with this project in September 2003 when we initially went through pre-qualification followed by tender. We were delighted to have been successful at the tender stage and have worked closely with the Northern Ireland Office and Youth Justice Agency since early this year to finalise the design phase of this project. It will be challenging build, the project is due for completion by Christmas 2006, and utilises a lot of state of the art material and equipment throughout. However we are ready for the challenge, we have a lot of experience in this area and are confident of success. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Northern Ireland Office and Youth Justice Agency to bring this Design & Build contract to completion on time, within budget and to the highest quality"

Turkingtons are no stranger to contracts on this scale, in 2002 Turkington scooped the Royal Society of Ulster Architects Building of the Year award for their joint venture design and build of the Laganside Courts in Belfast's Waterfront area. Turkington also picked up a Construction Excellence award, also in 2002, for the Laganside Courts - now purported to be the most photographed building in Belfast.

On the Rathgael Juvenile Justice Centre project Turkington have worked closely with Portadown architects Harry Porter Ltd to come up with the winning design. . Turkingtons are also currently working together Harry Porter Architects on the soon to be unveiled Lisburn Library project.


 
TURKINGTONS TO CHAIR GGF

Ian Young, General Manager of Turkington Windows in Portadown, was this week confirmed as the new chairman of the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) in Northern Ireland.

The GGF are a trade federation for the windows industry whose key goal is to offer protection to consumers and trade members. All GGF members follow a strict code of conduct, which is laid down in the government-approved code of ethical practise.

Said Ian Young of Turkington Windows, “Turkington have an established reputation based on quality, service and value. Membership of the GGF has allowed us to underpin our own stringent service levels with a nationally accepted and independent code of practice.”

Turkingtons monitor all contracts and measure performance as part of their Quality Management System – this in turn is independently audited through the Lloyds Quality register. In an industry, which in the past has been tainted with an image of shoddy contractors and cowboy builders, Turkington stand head and shoulders above most in theirapproach to quality and service. Independently monitored customer satisfaction surveys show

consistently high performance and satisfaction levels with over 96% of Turkington customers happy to recommend them to family and friends.
Ian Young added “At Turkingtons we have always provided excellent customer service, which makes sound commercial sense - almost 70% of our new business comes through recommendations and referrals. It is pleasing to see that service levels within the industry are improving. I would like to use my time as chairman to promote the GGF in this region, both to customers and to other reputable firms, and so help drive up the standards of quality and service even further.”


TURKINGTON SCOOPS Award for Investment in People

Northern Ireland construction firm JH Turkington who have just presented the Investors in People Standard have also recently scooped a major award for training. Turkingtons received the ‘Construction Excellence Award for Training’ at a gala evening hosted jointly by the Construction Employers Federation, and Specify, Northern Ireland’s permier construction magazine.

Derek Kennedy, speaking on behalf of the company said “at Turkingtons we have always prided ourselves on the quality of our product and our service. To maintain our high quality standards we realised that we needed to invest in our greatest asset – our people. The Construction Excellence award recognises that investment and rewards the work we have done in partnership with our staff, with Investors in People and with our training providers.”

The Investors in People Standard has long been acknowledged as a business improvement tool, helping organisations of every size, type and location to gain more from their people in support of business goals. Turkington have been steadfastly working toward this standard over the past two years. Training opportunities have been afforded staff at all levels of the company - a culture of staff development and training throughout the company, has been nurtured and encouraged by directors and management, who have also been able to take advantage of training opportunities.
The benefits of being an Investor in People include increased productivity, increased motivation, reduction in staff turnover and higher customer and client satisfaction. In fact, companies recognised as Investors in People consistently outperform non-recognised competitors in terms of productivity and profitability. Turkingtons certainly realise the benefits of quality service – recent customer surveys have shown a 96% customer satisfaction rating for Turkingtons windows & conservatories division.

TURKINGTON NET LUCRATIVE NEW CONTRACT

Local firm JH Turkington & Sons have recently pulled off an ambitious bid which has netted the company a share in a lucrative new £100m contract at Laganside Courts, Belfast.  Turkington have formed a partnership with another prominent Northern Ireland firm, Karl Construction, to take over the ongoing operation and Facilities Management contract for the Laganside Courts Complex.  Turkington, were one of the original partners in the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Design and Build contract for the court complex.   The move is a tremendous achievement for Turkingtons, buying out Jarvis plc, one of the former heavyweights of the UK construction industry.

JH Turkington & Sons was established over 50 years ago in Portadown, and has expanded over the years to provide a range of services including building construction, residential and commercial property development, and the manufacture of a wide range of building products.  In recent years, Turkingtons has significantly expanded its operations in Property Development and PFI contracts and were recently awarded the prestigious £16.8million design and build contract for the Rathgael Juvenile Justice centre in Bangor.

Turkington through the operating company, Consul Services (NI) Limited, have been able to use their considerable experience of both PFI and Facilities Management contracts to refinance the entire Laganside Courts project and so pass on considerable savings to the Courts service over the 25 year life of this contract. This is a first for Turkingtons and the first PFI refinancing to take place in Northern Ireland.  The Laganside Courts Complex PFI was a substantial design and build contract coupled to the ongoing facilities management.  The entire PFI value totalled £100million. 

Jim McKeag, JH Turkington MD said,

“We are very pleased to have put this deal together, it cements our position as one of Northern Irelands most forward thinking construction and property development firms.  We have a dynamic construction and property arm which has been involved in some of the largest and most innovative Design & Build and PFI contracts throughout Northern Ireland.  This is allied to our other divisions namely Turkington Precast, Turkington Joinery and of course our Windows and Conservatories division which has been servicing the local market for over 20 years ”

In related news Lisburns stunning new public library opens to the public this month.  Turkington were the main contractor on this build and have once again been able to show their expertise in creating this vibrant new public building.  Turkington who are based in Portadown will look forward to even more exciting developments in years to come.

Turkington Built premises earn praise from Lindsay Ford

The latest building to be completed by local construction firm Turkingtons has opened to great acclaim just last week.  Turkingtons, who recently completed the new Lindsay Ford premises on Upper Newtownards Road Belfast, have been waiting with interest to see how the public reacted to the ultra modern premises at the official launch last week.  Stephen Odell, Vice President of Ford Europe conducted the opening ceremony on his first visit to Northern Ireland.

The opening evening saw a crowd of over 500 guests help the staff celebrate the new state of the art premises with a relaxed party atmosphere.  The Ford GT was on display and proved of great interest to the crowd.

Turkington carried out the £1.6million demolition and construction contract over a 30week period.  The contract consisted of creating a bright and airy building with a relaxing environment for customers to view the Ford range.  Underpinning this, literally, there is an extensive underground service area, which allows Lindsay’s to maximise showroom and parking space above ground while creating a bright well-lit subterranean service area for vehicle maintenance and repair.

Commenting on the project Turkington Managing Director Jim McKeag said, “we are pleased that the building has been so well received, the finished building is bright, modern and aesthetically very strong. The build was complicated somewhat by the amount of underground work and structural design, and required extensive expertise in all aspects of the construction process. We are happy once again to have completed on time, on target and within budget, we wish Lindsay Ford every success in their new showroom”

Lindsay Ford’ Managing Director David Lindsay praised the new premises during the opening evening, “tonight was the culmination of many years of discussion about how to improve the facilities on this very busy site.  After many months of hard work by lots of people –from the architects, builders and electricians to the staff - we have all worked extremely hard to produce this fabulous building.  I am very proud of this new dealership and look forward to many years of servicing our customers both old and new.”

The Ford GT was on display also on its first visit to the province.  This amazing car proved a real crowd pleaser with many people getting their photo taken by the official photographer on the event. Unfortunately this is one Ford model that is not available for test drive!!