CR Smith Blog

“With Apprenticeship Week upon us, we should be very concerned about the reported apprentice drop-out rate of 25%. Not because it suggests a poor attitude by some young people to hard work but because it suggests that we, as the older generation, are often failing to guide the young in the right way.
“Brought up with hope, ambition and an understanding of hard work, I believe that young people would want jobs.
“A generation ago, youngsters were eager to get any sort of Saturday job so they could afford to buy the things they wanted. They now get them anyway.
“A first job was also just that – a first job that was a stepping stone to the next and the one after that. This basic understanding is lost to a huge number of young people. They want the big job straight away and certainly expect big salaries.
“The question to ask is how we have managed to knock all motivation out of these young people at exactly the wrong time in their lives and how we can restore it. If we can’t find a positive solution, we will lose out on the vitality they can bring to the work place and risk their, and the economy’s, future success.”

Gerard Eadie, Chairman of Scotland’s leading upvc windows company CR Smith was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours for services to the glazing industry and voluntary sector.

Eadie, who has run CR Smith for nearly 35 years has also been heavily involved in The Prince’s Trust for the past 10 years and is currently the charity’s Chairman in Scotland.

He said:
“I feel very honoured.

“This is not only an honour for me, but also for my family and everyone who has worked with me to build CR Smith and supported my work with The Prince’s Trust Scotland.

“I have always believed in opportunity and the potential there is in every young person. This award is an important recognition of these values.

CR Smith has been awarded the first BSI Kitemark in Scotland for window energy ratings and the first to be awarded across a full range of windows.

All 24 CR Smith window types, styles and colour options have been given the new energy certification, confirming that all the company’s products, manufactured at its Cowdenbeath factory, meet and can exceed the government’s new standards for thermal efficiency.

The new regulations which came into force on October 1st is for window energy ratings. They insist on a minimum U-value of 1.6 (the current standard is 1.8). CR Smith has the capacity to fabricate windows up to a U-value of 0.8.

CR Smith has held Window Energy Ratings licenses, equivalent to the A-C ratings found on white goods, issued by the BFRC (British Fenestration Ratings Council) for the past three years.

Hugh Eadie, Operations Director for CR Smith, said:

“We are delighted to be the first company to be awarded the BSI Kitemark for ‘greener’ windows across a comprehensive range of window types and styles. It demonstrates our strength in depth and the efforts we have taken to ensure every window type we manufacture and sell meets the new standards.

“Until now, the only authority issuing Window Energy Ratings was industry owned. We felt that the independence of BSI Kitemark certification offered customers greater reassurance and a more comprehensive demonstration of the quality of our manufacturing processes. The Kitemark is also a brand that is instantly recognised by customers.

“Making a home energy efficient – or ‘green’ – is increasingly important to our commercial and domestic customers. So too are good quality windows built to last. The BSI certifications we now hold are independent assessments of the performance of the complete window as well as the quality of the whole manufacturing process behind it. We believe that this puts us in a very competitive position in the marketplace.”

CR Smith has been awarded licenses for its flagship Lorimer and commercial Nairn casement, tilt & turn, vertical sash and fully reversible windows.

CR Smith is supporting a charity evening in aid of the Royal Air Forces Association.

The Dunfermline Branch of the RAF welfare charity contacted CR Smith to ask for donations for their raffle.  CR Smith is always happy to support a good cause and Wilma Soulsby, Entertainments Convenor for RAFA, left the company head quarters in Dunfermline with a bag full of goodies.

The raffle will take place at the group’s main fundraising event on the 28^th September and will commemorate the 70^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Money raised from the evening of ‘Music and Dancing’, will go towards the welfare of past and present members of the Royal Air Force and their families.

To make a donation to RAFA visit, http://www.rafa.org.uk/ or to find out more about the event call 0800 200 444.

Earlier this year, renowned Interior Designer Malcolm Duffin helped to re-style CR Smith’s flagship Design Centre in Dunfermline. In this month’s Scotland’s Homes supplement from The Herald newspaper, Malcolm set out his top ten tips for styling a conservatory.

1. Purpose                                                                        

It is important when buying a conservatory to consider what its purpose will be.  Too often people install and furnish a conservatory and then don’t use it.  It could be an extra sitting room, dining room or an area for peace, quiet and reflection.

2. Decoration                                                                                                                                       

Conservatories are available in so many wonderful painted or stained finishes. Warm terracotta, reds, and oranges, or even a quirky wallpaper can add drama and atmosphere.

3. Heating                                                                                                                                                      

Scottish winters offer some of the best light and what better place to sit, looking out on a frosty morning with the papers and breakfast than a cosy conservatory.  Good quality affordable under floor heating which can be linked to your central heating is a great option. Do not scrimp on radiators; a panel heater will not provide you with enough warmth.

4. Blinds

I often use wooden slatted or even fabric Roman blinds to smarten up a conservatory, and to protect furniture from sunlight.  Go for cosy wools and plaids for warmth and texture. For a Mediterranean feel go for bright bold prints and citrus colours.

Smart glass can now be used in your conservatory windows which keeps the UV rays out and the heat in.  Consult a specialist for advice.

5. Multi-use                                                                                                                                                   

You can adapt your conservatory to suit your lifestyle. Casual seating and a dining table can make it multi-functional.  Adding technology can create an additional room for TV and music.

6. Lighting

Don’t be afraid to consider how to light your conservatory.  Chandeliers are stunning but don’t buy one too small. Create some drama with concealed spots and lamps for reading or working.  Pictures lights can also add atmosphere and warmth.

7. Top Tip: Light the garden so that your eye is drawn to the bottom of the garden and not to the black reflective glass.  This works well all year round and particularly in winter.

8. Furnishings                                                                                                                                                 

When furnishing your conservatory consider buying good quality furniture; a leather sofa or wing chairs will enhance the space. Rugs and cushions will also provide texture and warmth.

9. Accessories

Don’t fill the window sills with clutter…it drives me crazy! What is so much nicer is to choose pictures for your main wall and perhaps add a bookcase for your belongings. A nice coffee table or trunk, side tables with flowers and scented candles say so much more about who you are.

10. Plants                                                                                                                                                      

Half dead, forgotten plants in old pots do nothing for the appeal of a conservatory.  You are far better going to your local garden centre and buying a fantastic potted tree – lemon or orange have a lovely scent.  Good quality artificial plants and trees are low maintenance and can look equally as good.

I am often asked about conservatories so please do not hesitate to ask designers for their advice which could be an inexpensive way of saving on costly mistakes.

To see more of Malcolm’s work visit http://www.malcolmduffin.co.uk/.