Sarah Ball’s visit to InstallerShow 2025

Sarah Ball, Publisher of Modern Joinery News, visited the InstallerShow 2025 at the NEC on the Day One. Here’s her roundup: 

“I visited the NEC to see what the InstallerShow was all about – and I have to say, it was great fun. There was lots going on and while most of it wasn’t directly relevant to either PiGs or Modern Joinery News, there was still plenty for me to see and plenty of conversations to be had.

“I went with Andy Ball, from The Joinery Network, but we went our separate ways for most of the day.

“The central house featured Gutmann aluminium-clad timber windows installed by both DGM Windows, using The Joinery Network’s Lignum system, and Arden Joinery. However, I didn’t see any other window or door manufacturers exhibiting at the show – none from PVCu or Aluminium.

“So I was surprised that I caught up with quite a few people I know from the glazing industry. I had only expected to see one or two, but there were far more than I anticipated.

Much more to see

“There was more to see on the joinery side. The most impressive demo I saw was from SawStop – a clever invention that instantly stops a table saw in a nanosecond to protect fingers and hands. The demo, by Ryan using a hot dog sausage, showed the speed and accuracy of the device. I have to say, if I were using a table saw, I’d definitely want one of these!

“It was at the SawStop stand that I caught up again with expert carpenter Robin Clevett, who also introduced me to Radha Sivyer – a top UK carpenter and TV presenter. Radha gave me a fantastic demo of Shaper, a handheld CNC machine that makes light work of fine, detailed joinery, that could be used either in a factory setting or on-site.

“Regarding the show itself, what really stood out were the everyday essentials we all need when manufacturing and installing windows and doors – particularly safety wear. It was far more stylish than I’ve seen before, and more to the point, available to buy on the spot. I also managed a couple of great meetings with Fraser from Trade-Shades and Omar from Tough Glove.

‘Enough variety’

“While the main part of the show focused on plumbing and electrics, there was enough variety to keep me busy for the entire day. Not just with things to see, but also with things to do. There were all sorts of fun activities – darts, car racing games, and even a crazy golf hole that aimed into a toilet!

“Crossover products like silicones and sealants were in high demand, but it was the sheer number of giveaways that stood out. There were hundreds of visitors walking around loaded up with freebies. It really felt they were a big reason for people attending the show.

“After a busy day at the show, I caught up with Andy again, and our last stop was the NHIC stand, where Jon Vanstone, Construction Industry Competence and Building Regulation Compliance expert, was welcoming guests to a networking event – what a great way to end our day at the show!”

To get your news about the Installer Show in the next edition of STY News and Modern Joinery News please send it to sty@peopleinglazing.co.uk  or news@modernjoinery.co.uk

InstallerSHOW 2025 | UK’s No1 Installation & Specification Event