Independent Network - The Network that Supports You
In 1996, when the reputation of the double glazing industry was being tarnished by pushy salespeople, inferior products and unfit fits, a group of like-minded business owners had a shared vision – to rebuild the industry through transparency, trust and a commitment to the highest standards of craftsmanship and customer service. They succeeded and Independent Network was born.
Since then, we have welcomed hundreds of independent businesses, but with one strict rule, they must adhere to our culture of quality, integrity and professionalism: a culture that has forged a new set of standards.
Most of us, including VEKA plc, are still family owned and we take our responsibilities seriously. We know that your success, and ours, affects the lives of thousands of people. With that in mind, we have nurtured a heritage of support that is the envy of our industry. An army of people just like you are here to help.
Legal support
Our full suite of legal support, including a direct helpline to a Solicitor, is offered to all members. Services include recruitment support; from application and new starter forms to guidance on how to deal with onboarding, Contracts of Employment, Grievances and Pay and Benefits guidance.
We also cover the unfortunate task of disciplinaries from hearing agenda’s, policies, support on how to conduct them and written warnings/dismissals. HR forms can be difficult to navigate but we’ve got you covered; forms, holiday requests and self certifications to name a few.
Other areas of legal support include, Disputes and Litigation, Consumer Terms and Conditions and Wills and Estate Planning.
Customer Management System
Our free customer management system supports your day to day business needs. Track the entire journey of an enquiry meaning you have full visibility of your sales from enquiry to aftercare.
You can register your Customer Building Regulation Certificates for compliance together with your Deposit Protection and IBG’s. Upload your leads, create quotes, confirm orders, schedule work via the online calendar and communicate with customers.
There are so many more features of this tool; including bespoke templates and Business Performance Indicator management. The tool can be used for all manufacturers including VEKA, other uPVC, timber & aluminium and all products. Use it business-wide as we have no licensing fees and allow multiple users.
Industry Networking
Networking is something our industry is famous for; supporting each other, learning from each other and trading with each other. Our popular members weekend allows our members to get together to not only hear about our plans and meet our affiliates but also a chance to connect with other like-minded members.
It’s not all work though, our Gala Awards and Dinner Dance make this a weekend you’ll never want to miss. We also host annual golf events (for those who can and can’t), Webex Wednesday’s and training days, all across the UK!
Homeowner Website
Websites are not only expensive but can be difficult and time consuming to manage. We’ve taken the hassle out of the digital world for you! As a member of Independent Network you get access to a website build and hosting facility.
Choose from 3 flexible and unique templates, each can be personalised to your brand, then use our copywriting service to create relevant content that engages your audience to allow for greater sales of your services, including other home improvements.
Compatible with our homeowner lead dashboard and Google Analytics built in to allow for full reporting and tracking, our fully responsive, SEO friendly and sales driven websites are ideal for any sized business.
Lead Generation Visualiser Tool
Lead generation is something we all look to achieve in many different ways from print to word of mouth and online.
Here at Independent Network we offer our own successful lead generation tool which can be added to your website, with an average order value of over £5,000!
Our tool allows consumers to design their own windows and doors based on your product offering, it has a flexible price guide that allows you to set the prices and a full management system to update you on your progress. It’s a visualiser tool that engages and converts!
Customer Finance
If we had a penny for every time we heard “I don’t need finance options for my customers”… Statistics tell us that more home improvement projects are being sold with the assistance of a finance package.
Our finance service offering allows you to meet customer expectations without reducing your profile, you can even top up cash sales with finance options. We provide all the tools, training, guidance and inspiration you need to start offering finance to your customers.
You’ll be guided through the onboarding process by a dedicated Account Manager, after which you will have on-going priority support as standard.
Digital Sales Tool
Our digital sales tool provides a professional approach when selling to customers in their homes.
Many sales people have their own methods, be that samples, brochures or just a good chat; our tool supports you, whatever your style. With the facility to quote, survey and email documentation directly to your customer the tool reduces paperwork and reduces time; improving efficiencies and allowing you to sell more!
Don’t worry about wi-fi connections as the tool works off-line and is pre-loaded with VEKA and Halo window and door combinations with the flexibility to add more. Available with or without pricing the tool avoids costly manual errors and doesn’t allow you to price up a product that can’t be made.
With backup support and a friendly voice at the end of the phone our tool really does offer a multitude of benefits to your business.
Homeowner Enquiries
Leads are something that many memberships and tools push on companies as the ‘main selling point’; though we understand the need for leads, we are so much more.
Our two lead styles are provided by our ‘find a local installer, and ‘visualiser’ tools on our website. Both leads are sent directly to the nearest member; who then has the option to accept or decline.
Our lead management dashboard means you get alerts when a lead is generated and you can update the status of the lead to allow for efficient lead management.
KPI Dashboard
How do you analyse your business performance? We know that in the midst of winning business and installing products KPI’s and the everyday running of your business can be overlooked and overwhelming.
Through our exclusive Insurance Backed Guarantee and our Customer Satisfaction Reports, our KPI service allows you to analyse your sales team and installers performance. Our reporting tools keep you on track with your legal responsibilities and provide customer satisfaction analysis.
As always our members receive friendly and helpful support from our team whenever they need it.
Dedicated Technical Support
Wouldn’t it be good to have an independent installation expert on hand…With Independent Network you do!
Our Technical Support Manager has over 25 years experience in the industry dealing with installation questions for windows, doors and conservatories.
This complimentary service gives you access to a WhatsApp line, Fitters and Surveyors training, Health and Safety guidance, Compliance and Performance guidance, installation guides and fact sheets (for installers and homeowners), unrivalled technical support for installers, looking at survey, installation and operations PLUS support with homeowner queries and best practice advice.
We’d say that’s worth it’s weight in (white) gold!
Insurance Backed Guarantee and Deposit Protection
When you think of Independent Network you automatically think of peace of mind. That is echoed by our industry leading Insurance Backed Guarantee that protects homeowners for years to come.
Our unbroken chain of quality provides your customers with peace of mind when choosing home improvements from an Independent Network Member.
Our Insurance Backed Guarantees are more than just an extended warranty as they provide you with homeowner reviews, customer satisfaction scores and KPI’s to manage your business.
Starting from £4 including Deposit Protection at no extra cost. Available for all windows, doors, conservatories and outdoor living products our flexible IBG that cover PVCu, timber and aluminium products.
Dispute Resolution
Not all installations go to plan, that’s a fact, that’s why we offer the services of our Technical Support Manager to support you when you need him.
His helpful and friendly approach usually gives a mutually accepted conclusion to most situations ensuring the homeowner is happy and you get paid. Offering negotiation services that can save you £1000’s with no legal costs, this benefit of the membership is one that cannot be beaten.
As a member you will also receive homeowner guidance, support with product issues and on-site visits and reports. Our current members have said this service is ‘invaluable’ and has ‘bridged the gap allowing a way forward for both them and the customer’.
Homeowner Reviews
Over our 25 years in business our Customer Satisfaction Results average has remained over 98.8% and we aim to keep it that way with our member’s support.
As an installer you have worked hard to grow your business and you want to ensure that every customer is happy with the products and service you have provided.
Through our I.N. Customer Pledge and Insurance Backed Guarantee we ask all homeowners to give feedback on their new products and service, leaving a review that we will share with you.
Once the review is received we share and promote it on our website and can directly feed it to yours! You can access all your reviews via our members database and we are on hand to support you if ever you need us.
Training Academy
Saving our members time and money our training courses offer a complete suite. From legal and regulatory content that can be easily distributed and monitored, through to refresher and introductory courses, you can be confident that your staff are kept up to date and in line with its legal obligations.
Our Fitter and Surveyor Technical Training Courses are delivered by our Associate Member (AIOSH) which allows the Technical Certificates to be issued with not only the Independent Network logo, but also the IOSH branding. Our Working Safely Course covers working at heights, manual handling, abrasive wheels and power tools, asbestos and silicia dust awareness. Other courses include, Emergency First Aid at Work, Sales Training, Mental Health in the Work Place, Homeowner Finance and VEKA Group Products.
All delegates receive an I.N. Training Certificate and the courses are delivered via a digital platform or classroom (dependent on course). Feedback from our members is that this is a great way to network with other like-minded individuals and discuss current business issues.
Business Performance Reviews
Our on-site assessment process includes an assessment of the fitters including appearance, conduct, site conditions and surroundings. This assessment gathers readily available information on site to evaluate whether the workplace poses a potential H&S risk.
The fitters are reviewed on the standard of the installation and general workmanship. The information gathered is presented to the business with areas that require a review, sets target dates to rectify and offers dedicated Independent Network support or training to enhance performance.
Our BPR is an informal assessment in which I.N. evaluates our members performance, identifies strengths and weaknesses, offer feedback, sets goals for future performance, and suggests what support or training the Network offers. Our review looks at internal processes, update personnel, company requirements, showroom overview, required policies to be part of I.N. and procedures.
Virtual Showrooms
Increase your customer engagement by creating a high definition virtual tour of your showroom. Designed in consultation with you and aim to open your doors to the world and welcome online visitors in.
Our tours can be customised with in-tour annotation tags to promote and link to your products and services as the visitor explores the space from anywhere, anytime and on any device.
If you don’t have your own showroom we have created a VEKA showroom virtual tour that you can upload onto your own website.
