We welcome 2012 and looking forward to a year of continued recovery for the construction industry in the UK.

We can report record sales throughout 2011 on our entire range of products; glass balustrading, Juliet balcony and curved patio doors – despite the tough economic times.

Sales volumes across our entire product range by almost 29.2% throughout last year compared to 2010 and reflected consistent growth throughout the 12 months of 2011. End of year sales were particularly strong with November 2011 orders more than double on the same month in 2010.

Since our move to larger premises at Lingfield, Surrey 15 months ago, our workforce has grown by 20% to cope with customer demand and the developing product range.

Managing Director Effi Wolff said the addition of the BalcoNano® unique self-cleaning glass coating option in mid-summer had attracted much interest and contributed to the uplift in business, especially towards the end of the year.

Similarly, the introduction of our Juliet balconies with promotional pricing from under £200, which provide a cost-effective and elegant, low-maintenance balustrading solution, had proved popular with buyers from all sectors. This helped to boost sales of Juliets by a spectacular 70% in 2011.

Effi explained: “Balcony continues to grow, showing consistent 15% year-on-year growth since 2008. We’ve had a tremendous year as more and more architects, builders and self-builders recognised the quality, versatility and affordability of Balcony’s products, as well as their ability to transform properties and add value.

“We are also starting to see the resurrection of larger projects, plus signs of confidence returning to the market; something we have not seen for three years,” he continued. “Business picked up considerably in the final quarter of 2011 and we worked right through the Christmas period in order to fulfil orders for our customers.”

As for 2012, We are predicting another buoyant year with our appearances at both Grand Design Live exhibitions (London & Birmingham) and an Ecobuild debut for our sister company, VBS, in March.

Effi added: “Alongside rising demand from builders and developers, trends show that people are still willing to invest in their homes with many choosing to improve, rather than move house. That’s why we’re experiencing a lot of interest in our products, for both newbuild projects and refurbishment schemes.”

Balcony Systems has reported its best-ever Grand Designs Live 2011 with record levels of enquiries and increased orders from more visitors attending the October consumer home show at Birmingham’s NEC.

Refurbishment projects featured strongly in many quotations for the company’s market-leading range of beautiful glass and aluminium balustrades, affordable Juliette balconies from under £200 and spectacular curved patio doors that transform all types of properties.

“There was very strong interest in both our balustrading and Juliet balcony products, with many serious enquirers ready to go ahead,” commented Balcony Director Lesley Farrow. “Our unique self-cleaning glass coating also attracted much attention, with staff being asked to explain how the smooth surface it creates on the glass keeps the balustrading looking cleaner for longer to reduce maintenance.”

Lesley added: “Overall, it was a tremendously busy and successful three days and we are absolutely delighted with the level of enquiries to follow up, including those for future new build projects and developments.”

Speaking after the popular Excel 2011 event, General Manager Lesley Woodcraft said: “We had a great response to our stand, securing new orders and closing a number of deals at the show. These included some visitors who purchased more products from us while they were on the stand.”

Property developers, architects and prospective customers thronged the stand, along with current private customers who gave feedback and expressed their satisfaction with existing installations.

“One customer who had ordered one curved patio door and a fixed curved window wanted a quote for three curved patio doors instead. Inquiries also included a Scottish builder wishing to become a Balcony Systems dealer and an architect seeking balustrading. It was a very positive show for us,” added Lesley.

Balcony Systems’ products are innovative and simple to install, opening up limitless design possibilities for all types of new build and refurbishment projects. An optional self-cleaning glass coating is also available across the entire product range of curved patio doors, glass balustrading and Juliette balconies to greatly reduce maintenance.

By modifying two standard upstairs windows in their home, that was originally built around a decade ago,  to create French windows with glass Juliette balconies. The Spellmans wanted to take full advantage of the glorious countryside views.

Adding light to a property can transform its appearance, as well as enhancing its use and the general well-being of its occupants. Glass and aluminium Juliette balconies from Balcony Systems help homeowners to achieve these aims, as Nigel and Jo Spelman from Droxford in Hampshire discovered.

Having felt the upstairs living rooms were ‘out of touch’ with the garden and the south-facing views, they decided to cut down the brickwork and let in the light with floor to ceiling glazing. Researching balconies lead them to Balcony Systems and a successful outcome for their project.

“Whether standing or seated our field of vision now extends from our garden below through to the distant horizon and the sky,” says Nigel. “This has improved the look and our use of the house tremendously, particularly as our principal reception rooms are on the first floor. As we were originally planning to have a wrought iron balcony, having seen the excellent result in glass we’re very glad we went down that route.”

He continues: “We are very pleased with the Balcony product and absolutely delighted with how the new full length windows with their glass Juliette balconies have worked out.  We were hoping that the balconies’ aluminium handrails would not appear obtrusive and any concerns have proved unfounded.”

The couple also chose Balcony Systems’ self-cleaning glass coating for both Juliettes and find this a great maintenance-saving bonus in terms of reduced cleaning.

Future plans include an extension at the back of the house with a first-floor sunroom – possibly with curved patio doors – and a sweeping glass-sided veranda with walkway linking the upstairs of the house to the upper level of the garden.

“We shall certainly think of Balcony Systems as a potential supplier for this next and more ambitious phase,” adds Nigel.

Its stand B124 at Excel from April 30 to May 8 will demonstrate how its innovative and simple-to-install products open up limitless design possibilities for all types of new build and refurbishment projects.

Balcony’s unique system relies on the aluminium handrail to provide all the required strength, so in many cases, straight or curved balustrades require no vertical supports. This allows unobstructed views to the outside and more light inside.

Distinctive curved patio doors combine practicality with panoramic views, transforming buildings with an added ‘wow’ factor. They feature two, three, four or six panels in various sliding or fixed combinations.

An optional self-cleaning glass coating is also available across the entire product range to greatly reduce maintenance.

For more details, contact Balcony www.balconette.co.uk on 01342 410411 or email enquiries@balconette.co.uk.

To order tickets for the show go to: http://www2.seetickets.com/

Juliette for a reasonable price

Innovative design using the handrail to support the glass means there are no vertical posts or ugly clamps to obscure the view. With 28 different models available and handrail finishes in white, silver, bronze or Royal Chrome, glass Juliette balconies achieve a clean, contemporary look for a surprisingly reasonable price.

For bulk orders, Balcony Systems can supply standard or bespoke sizes and finishes in a range of RAL colours to suit any client specification and budget.

“Introducing our Juliette balcony to the UK has revolutionised this market, allowing housebuilders and developers to install a niche product for a sensible cost. The beauty of glass, rather than railings, creates a more aesthetically-pleasing and appealing external appearance that helps to sell homes,” says Effi Wolff, Balcony’s Managing Director.

“Our bulk offer is aimed specifically at the newbuild market, enabling purchasers to benefit from a pricing structure tailored to their needs,” he adds.

An important factor

Pierre Borlesi, Managing Director of contractors Novaplus Ltd, ordered 24 Juliettes from Balcony Systems for The Gateway, a two and three-bed apartment complex in Haywood, near Rochdale. Affordability was an important factor in his selection.

“When searching for a glass balcony to meet the project specification, we found Balcony Systems on the internet. It’s a good product at the right price. Everyone is impressed with it, including the architect,” he says.

“As a first-time user of a glass Juliette balcony, we were very pleased with the simplicity, appearance and easy installation of the system. I think we’ll now set up an account,” adds Pierre.

Applied on both sides of the glass, the patented self clean coating creates a smooth surface that quickly repels water, dirt and grime to help keep it looking clean for longer.

This maintenance-reducing benefit was the key reason why Rhian and John Powell Jones chose the Balcony Systems Juliette balcony for their new-build home at Harlech, North Wales.

“The self-cleaning glass definitely influenced our choice of balustrading as our house is in an elevated position overlooking the sea,” comments Rhian. “It’s very windy so we often get fine salty and grainy deposits carried in the air. This glass certainly helps to reduce the amount of cleaning we have to do – leaving us more time to enjoy the view.”

She adds: “Not only does the Juliette balcony look great from the inside and outside, it’s easy to look after too.”

Low maintenanca, crystal clear glass

Applied using a special ‘vapour chamber’ process, this unique patented double-sided coating creates a smooth surface that quickly repels water, dirt and grime. Protected from the elements on both sides, glass stays looking clean for longer; requiring just the occasional wipe down with a wet cloth.

The innovative coating can also be applied on all colours of glass, including tinted panels, providing an affordable, readily available and convenient extra benefit for architects, specifiers and designers to offer their clients.

Available now across Balcony Systems’ entire product range, including curved patio doors, the self-cleaning glass coating can be specified at the design stage for bespoke projects or supplied on off-the-shelf Juliette balconies.

Fantastic customer feedback

Managing Director Effi Wolff comments: “Introducing this self-cleaning glass coating option has put Balcony Systems firmly at the forefront of innovative and practical balcony solutions. It has generated fantastic customer feedback, as well as growing demand from architects for a distinctive feature to offer their clients.”

At £199, the BAL 128 version measuring 1,280mm with white handrail is available in various quantities – from just a single unit to bulk delivery for larger housing schemes.

Low-maintenance glass Juliette balconies are not only a great deal on initial purchase, but also prove to be a long-term cost-effective choice when compared to conventional balustrading materials as they don’t require painting or repairs. Clear glass retains views and maximises light to the interior, while a wipe down with a wet cloth keeps them sparkling.

The Juliette balcony range includes 28 different standard models with aluminium handrail finishes in white, silver, bronze or Royal Chrome. Bespoke sizes and colours can be supplied for bulk orders to suit any client specification and budget.

Low cost, High value

Commenting on the lower price, Balcony Systems’ Managing Director, Effi Wolff says: “With our genuinely affordable Juliette balcony range, we’re challenging people’s perceptions that glass balconies are expensive. In fact, our glass and aluminium products cost about the same as steel – but work out cheaper in the long run as you don’t have to paint them.

“With the added advantages of corrosion-resistance for coastal areas, contemporary clean lines and ease of installation, we’re already seeing a tremendous response from purchasers seeking a value-for-money balustrade, which also looks good,” he adds.

Nick is delighted: “The balcony was on-site within seven days, and with some help from the contractor it was fitted easily in under three hours. We can now open the doors in safety and have an uninterrupted view of the garden. The balcony enhances the look and value of the property too. The service from Balcony was excellent from start to finish and I’d certainly recommend them.”