Independent Network Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

Independent Network has celebrated another fantastic AGM awards ceremony

Industry-leading installer support organisation Network VEKA has celebrated another fantastic AGM and glittering awards ceremony in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Around 250 people attended the organisation’s annual event in this, its 20th year.

The day began with an informative, specially-built ‘Business Centre’ where a host of specialists were on hand to answer questions and offer advice to member companies. Attendees had the opportunity to learn how suppliers in areas such as finance and marketing could help enhance and increase business opportunities. Member companies were also reminded of the favourable rates and specialist services available from Network VEKA’s Affiliate Partners.

The official AGM rounded off the afternoon, with speakers such as John Ogilvie (Network VEKA’s MD) and Dave Jones (MD of The VEKA UK Group) guiding attendees through the year’s accounts and achievements as well as outlining future plans for the organisation.

Before sharing an entertaining video looking back over 20 years of Network VEKA milestones, John praised the membership for all they’ve achieved in the 12 months since the last AGM: “You installed over £66m of product, taking the cumulative total since 1996 to over £950m.

“At £3700, average installed values are the highest for eight years and still overall customer satisfaction rates remain around 97%. The Network VEKA Academy has seen more than 70 people gain an NVQ in either installation or surveying proving that Network VEKA members surpass any industry ‘minimum standards’.

“A number of members have already achieved the BSI Kitemark for the installation of windows and doors through Network VEKA’s association with BSI. In summary, 2015 was yet another year of fantastic achievements, firsts and innovations!”

With the official AGM presentation out of the way, it was time to go ‘back to the future’ with an evening celebrating the best of the 1980s!

The Gala Dinner and Awards Evening kicked off at 6.30pm in black-tie style, with visitors enjoying a champagne reception before the Awards were announced by John Ogilvie.

A full list of regional winners follows below:
Best in Scotland: Norscot Joinery and Thistle Windows and Conservatories
Best in Ireland: Betterhomes
Best in the Midlands: Rugby Double Glazing
Best in the North West: Cheadle Glass
Best in the South: KJM Group
Best in the South East: Grovewood of Essex, t/a Atlas Windows and Doors
Best in the South West: Rodda & Hocking
Best in Wales: J & P Home Improvements
Best in Western England: Shane Howells
Best in Central England: Lewington and Son
Best in North East and Yorkshire: David Brunskill
Best in Eastern England: Frames Conservatories Direct
Best New Member – North: BMW Building Products
Best New Member – South: Wilson Windows

Overall National Winner was Frames Conservatories Direct, for the second year in a row!
John Ogilvie congratulated the team for retaining the ‘top’ title for the second consecutive year, after winning ‘Best Newcomer’ only the year prior. “To win Best in Eastern England and Overall National Winner really is a tremendous achievement.
“You are competing against the very best of the best – up and down the country – so to come out on top for the second year in a row says a lot about the service your customers receive.
“You deserve to be very proud and I’m pleased to be the first to congratulate you on another national win.”

I should be so lucky. Lucky, lucky, lucky.
The chance to win one of the many impressive prizes available on the night encouraged members to dig out their wallets and snap up raffle tickets. Donations towards 1980s props also contributed towards Network VEKA raising £1500 for Derian House Children’s Hospice.

I wanna dance with somebody
The evening was rounded off with a 1980s tribute band, with many members changing out of their black tie attire to celebrate the best(?) of ’80s fashion. They put on their parachute pants, shoved in their shoulder pads and ‘moon walked’ the night away.
After all, it was acceptable in the ’80s!

Sponsors for this year’s Network VEKA AGM included:
ERA
Vestolit
Dugdale Ltd
Renolit
Euroseal
EWS
Standring Brothers
Prefix Systems
Glazpart
Chick Plastics
B&I Fabrications
Baerlocher
The Image Works Ltd