The launch of Ryanair and Easyjet in 1995 completely changed the face of air travel from the UK. What was previously seen as a premium commodity, almost overnight became an achievable dream for many. By only travelling to a specific list of European destinations, their direct sales approach using only the internet and call centres and a stripped back in-flight offering, meant cheaper tickets as a result. Budget air travel had been born. After years of this market being monopolised by the ‘big players’, finally someone came along and did it differently.
In 2003 when we set up CENSolutions, it was a case of David versus Goliath at times. We found it hard to make our case as we were taking on the big boys who had well established names in the market place, but through consistently sticking to our principles, offering sound advice, not being greedy and keeping our overheads low, we managed to offer a cost-effective solution to what had previously been a cost prohibitive service. We knew that our approach was what the market wanted, so we worked hard to deliver on our promises and that commitment has paid off.
It’s 16 years now since we took the decision to set up CENSolutions and one we’ve never regretted. Running your own business is hard work, but we were focussed on providing real added value to manufacturers who were sick of certification causing them a headache. What was perceived as a long winded, time consuming and costly experience, didn’t need to be – we wanted to dispel the myth and provide cost effective, hassle free solutions.
Ask us today what motivates us and the answer will be the same. Certification needs to be something that manufacturers are happy to embrace, not avoid – and we feel our approach makes it much easier for them to do that. In terms of the David and Goliath scenario, the tables have most definitely turned. We believe we are now the biggest facilitator of EN1279 Part 2 & 3 type testing and have become by far the busiest laboratory in the UK looking after EN 1279:6 Periodic testing having conducted in excess of 4000 sets of periodic test units since June 2004. Plus, a significant number of companies that have achieved a BFRC Window Energy Rating, have done so with the CENSolutions team guiding the BFRC WER Registered companies through the process. We are now working with over 350 IGU manufacturers and over 150 window and door manufacturers for their certification and that number continues to grow.
The scope of our offering has also grown over the past 16 years and we now provide third party product certification for Toughened, Heat Soaked, Heat Strengthened and Laminated Glass Systems, as well as Fire Rated IGU’s. We also provide certification for Windows and Pedestrian Door Sets to EN 14351, incorporating PAS 24 and BS 6375.
It has to be said that our close cooperation with ER Certification and sister company ERC Testing, as well as TÜV Rheinland Nederland B.V. has really helped us with this growth. It provides us with a specialist certification circle that our customers can truly rely on. We each work hard to ensure the entire process is transparent – and that transparency allows customers to have a better understanding of each step of the certification process, therefore removing the hassle and dispelling the myth. We’re approachable, supportive and extremely knowledgeable in the field, as our sole focus is on the fenestration industry. In conjunction with ER Certification, ERC Testing and TÜV Rheinland Nederland B.V. we are and will continue to look at new areas and standards within the Fenestration Industry
The CENSolutions team will be at the FIT Show this year, supporting 21 of our customers who are exhibiting there, who will each be showcasing quality products, with reliable certification. If you’re fed up with your current certification provider or looking to widen your offering with new products in need of certification, we’d be happy to talk to you about our cost effective, hassle free approach. Of course, you don’t just need to take our word for it. Talk to our customers for an unbiased opinion; Between Glass Blinds, Dekko Window Systems, Direct Trade, ECO Glass, GJB Group, High Spec Windows & Conservatories Ltd, Listers, Morley Glass, Oakland Glass, ODL, Panoramic Doors, Pano Glass, Pearl Window Systems, Peterlee Glass, Quickslide, RegaLead, Roof-Maker Leicester, Roseview Windows, The Saveheat Group, Specialist Toughened Glazing or Virtuoso. If you like what you hear, give us a call on 01785 716625 and we’ll happily meet up for a coffee at the show.
