“In the premium heritage market, minor details are a major deal,” explains Richard Hammond, Sales Director at Shrewsbury-based fabricator, Universal Trade Frames (UTF).

“Little things can really make the difference between winning or losing a sale, especially in higher-end spaces like Conservation Areas, where accurate period replication is everything.

“If you offer the right products, Conservation Areas can be very lucrative for installers because margins are usually higher and there’s generally less competition due to the limitations these locations demand,” Richard adds.

With a product portfolio spanning PVC-U, composite, and aluminium, UTF offers the full Residence Collection of windows and doors.

Purpose-designed as an authentic replica of a 19th-century timber flush window, the flagship R9 system benefits from U-values as low as 0.8w/m²K, improved acoustic performance and is virtually maintenance free.

A convincing timber substitute with all the performance benefits of PVC-U, R9 products follow the specifications and dimensions of traditional designs. This often translates to approval for use in Conservation Areas and even some listed buildings.

“R9 pays incredible attention to period technicalities, which means it really looks the part,” explains Richard. “It’s also energy efficient, which increases its appeal to conservation and planning officers even further.”

Having made its name on precision manufacturing, thoughtful product development, and a clear understanding of market trends, UTF understands the small details that help installers win business.

Backed by cutting-edge automation and craftsmanship, its exclusive HeritageWeld process is another key differentiator that sets its offering apart.

The result of a recent £500K investment in state-of-the-art machinery, including a Haffner MAC 345, the HeritageWeld process achieves a fully welded 90° joint that closely replicates the appearance of traditional mechanical joints, both inside and out.

Custom tooling and settings accommodate different foil and material combinations, ensuring consistently high-quality results across the Residence 7, Residence², and Residence 9 product ranges. Achieving tolerances as low as 0.1mm on sash joints, HeritageWeld delivers a cleaner finish, stronger welds, and elevates long-term performance to help eliminate callbacks.

“Our products are a bit different to those offered by other Residence fabricators,” says Richard. “The level of precision and accuracy we can achieve is best in class – and that gives installers selling into the premium market the edge.”

Another example of UTF’s stand-out offering, is its new, open-in timber-alternative door system. Unveiled at this year’s FIT Show, the door creates an ‘industry-first’ opportunity for installers to add value and win more business.

Combining Residence Collection’s high-end, timber-alternative style with the latest smart sensor capabilities from Yale SensCheck, the system offers a unique blend of authentic timber aesthetics, PVC-U performance and smart security as standard.

Allowing a home’s occupants to track whether doors are open, closed, locked, or unlocked, SensCheck is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant, and certified to SBD ‘Secure Connected Device’ standards for added peace of mind.

Available across R9, R7, and R², the new open-in timber-alternative door features a large mid-rail, deep bottom rail, patented decorative panel trim, and the option for a fully flush finish when paired with R7. With options for a French door, glazed, low threshold, and PAS24 compliance, it allows door heights above 2300mm, bypassing the typical slab limitations of composites.

“Our open-in timber-alternative door offers classic authenticity, modern security and unrivalled flexibility for installers, and it’s already proving to be a big hit with our customers,” says Richard.

“Market-leading products like this, encompassing true innovation and meticulous attention to detail, give installers the confidence to win sales, even in the premium heritage sector and Conservation Areas.

“We’re helping our customers secure lucrative high-margin projects by offering something our competitors can’t – and with our new ‘If It’s Faulty, It’s Free’ guarantee on Residence products, our confidence in our quality standards is clear.

“Installers can rest assured that if a product arrives on site with a recognised manufacturing fault that prevents installation, we won’t just replace it – we’ll also issue a full credit for the faulty item, applied to their next order.

“You’d struggle to find a better product or service elsewhere,” he concludes.