£500million Public Sector Window Contracts to Benefit from Kitemark Scheme

BSI Product Services has launched a new Kitemark scheme to help raise the standard of windows fitted in public and social housing, a market worth more than £500 million annually.

The new Kitemark scheme is complimentary to a specification published by LAPFAG (the Local Authority PVCU Frame Advisory Group), and will ensure that local authorities and Housing Associations attain best value from their window renewal contracts.

The scheme for window manufacturers supports a detailed specification for fully installed casement and tilt/turn window frames, and can be adopted by an authority as the basis for a contract. Working alongside LAPFAG's own specifications, the Kitemark will ensure that the specification, manufacture, survey and installation of windows are to the highest standards.

BSI Product Services' Business Development Manager, Peter Brudenell said, "This is a first for BSI Product Services as we have created a Kitemark scheme to compliment the LAPFAG specifications, which covers a complete system from manufacture to installation. The specification has been prepared working with specifiers and manufacturers to ensure that higher standards of installation are achieved and ultimately so that Local Authority and Housing Association tenants receive the products they have a right to expect."

Manufacturers awarded the Kitemark will have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to quality and safety. The Kitemark, which is used in the UK and internationally, is recognised by over 80% of the British public as the UK's most respected quality mark.

The Kitemark scheme is unique having been prepared by the public sector for the public sector. To become Kitemark certified, manufacturers must be BS 7412 and BS 7950 accredited. Under the terms of the scheme, BSI Product Services will audit quality management systems and manufacturing methods on an ongoing basis.

For further details about the Kitemark scheme please contact BSI Product Services on 01442 278607 or emailproduct.services@bsi-global.com

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For further information please contact:

Wilma Tulloch on +44 (0)20 8996 6330 OR
Marc Edney on +44 (0)20 8996 6330

Notes to Editors:

BSI Product Services

• Based in Hemel Hempstead, provides product-testing facilities and awards Kitemark registration. The Kitemark was first registered as the British Standards mark in 1903.

Kitemark

• To achieve the Kitemark, companies have their products or services independently evaluated by BSI to ensure they conform to stated standards, and their quality systems assessed to ensure they can consistently produce products or services which comply with the relevant standard. The product or service is then subject to an on-going evaluation programme.
• Testing and assessments are carried out to meet recognised British, European or international safety and quality standards. A company can only display the Kitemark on its product when it has shown that it can meet these stringent standards.

For further information about BSI please visit our website:www.bsi-global.com