FENSA appoints specialists to explore and research the ‘grey market’

FENSA, the largest and longest established Competent Person Scheme (CPS) within the replacement window and door industry, is pleased to announce that it has appointed CMDi – built environment brand specialists, to explore the ‘grey’ market. The scale and form of the ‘grey’ market is one the construction industry’s great unknowns but it is a recurring issue for many installers who are doing everything by the book only to find there are “competitors” who are winning business but are not operating legally or ethically.

FENSA’s rôle is to enable member companies to self-certify compliance under the Building Regulations, without the need for a separate assessment from Building Control. In the past few years FENSA has been made aware of companies not registering window or door installations and in some cases installing windows that are not complying with Building Regulations. FENSA’s Managing Director, Anda Gregory, commented: “As the market leader, FENSA has a responsibility to ensure that our brand is well positioned to clearly communicate the rôle FENSA plays, not only to build value for our members, but to provide protection for homeowners. We have appointed CMDi to work with us as long-term partners to carry out a robust programme of research to establish the size and nature of the grey market.”

Managing Director of CMDi, Dianne Lucas, said “We are looking forward to working with FENSA as it has a vital role to play in the industry. CMDi has a unique blend of sector focused business strategies including research, brand positioning and communications delivery.” CMDI’s initial task will be to establish the issues affecting the industry through extensive industry and consumer research. From there, the consultants will work on brand and communications strategies to further strengthen FENSA’s market-leading position to ensure it meets the current and long-term challenges facing by the industry.