FENSA Launches New ID Card As Part Of Wider Re-Brand

It was announced earlier on this week that FENSA has launched a new ID card for FENSA registered installers, as part of a wider re-brand coming into effect during 2017. And it’s the latter part of that sentence which peaks my interest rather than the card itself. Before I go into my own thoughts on that, this was the official press release:

New FENSA Member ID card launched to kick-start 2017 rebrand

Today FENSA, the Government authorised self-certification scheme for windows and doors installers launches the new FENSA Member ID Card.

Following engagement with FENSA members and consumer groups alike, it was found that both were keen for there to be a more credible ID card. Installers wanted to demonstrate their trustworthiness and reliability, with customers wanting greater peace of mind.
Commenting, Jon Vanstone, Director of FENSA, said:

“It is a really exciting time for FENSA and the new card marks the first of a number of initiatives and changes in 2017 that will deliver more value to members and help them have better engagement with their customers.

The modern and fresh design of the new FENSA Card helps members to promote their businesses to customers up and down the country. Members are positioned more effectively, with both the FENSA and business logos on the card, increasing genuine credibility to their operation in the eyes of the customer. Added to this, the card protects members more effectively with new enhanced security features, such as a hologram, to prevent rogue traders developing counterfeit cards.

Members will be carrying the new FENSA Card which will enable customers to cross reference the details on the card on FENSA’s online database. Checking who is on your doorstep is vital particularly when dealing with vulnerable people.”

Commenting, Neil Coyle, Member of Parliament for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said:

“I’m delighted to see the launch of the new FENSA Card today, an initiative that will help installers build trust with their customers.
FENSA membership is synonymous with high quality work and the FENSA Card will soon be a visual representation of this. It is great to hear more about FENSA’s bold plans to support installers in the year ahead. FENSA plays an important role in the fenestration industry and its’ work will continue to protect the reputation of responsible installers.”

Further important details about the new FENSA Member ID Card include:

FENSA installers/surveyors need to have achieved for their Minimum Technical Competencies (MTC) via Helix Training www.trainwithhelix.co.uk. MTC are a mandatory requirement for Installers and Surveyors working in the Glass and Glazing sector in England and Wales

The FENSA Card is valid for two years from issue. Its expiry date is separate to the renewal date of MTC compliance

If you are a current FENSA installer or surveyor, you will soon be able to apply for your card at www.fensaonline.com through your account

Upon applying, you will be required to provide your FENSA registration number and personal details including, your head shot, company logo, occupation, route to MTC (if you have not already achieved it) and National Insurance number

The new FENSA Card costs £20 + VAT

Existing FENSA MTC Cards out in the marketplace are valid up to the expiry date on the card and then superseded by the new “FENSA Card”

My thoughts

The fact there is a new card isn’t really the news here for me. Yes it’s good from a FENSA perspective as it gives their installers something new a flashy to demonstrate to home owners that everything is as it should be. And the installers who really use their FENSA membership to help sell windows and doors will appreciate the new card too.

However, it’s the re-brand, of which the card form parts of, which is more important to me. In 2017, FENSA faces more competition from new names in the industry and existing ones who are starting to make more noise about themselves. A re-brand has been long needed in my opinion, and I would guess that one of the aims is to show to the industry that it continues to move with the trends and wants to stay as relevant and fresh for their installers as possible.

As the title of their press release shows, they’re embarking on a re-brand mission this year, and there are more measures to come from FENSA as we progress through the year. There is no doubting that FENSA remains the single most recognised industry trade body with home owners. But as I have already said, there are tough new challenges in the market place, with new names and existing ones making headway, which will require FENSA to up their game in brand to both installers and home owners.

I feel like the dynamic between industry bodies is about to go through major change, starting this year. This re-brand may well be FENSA’s way to fight off new challenges. How the other players in the market respond will be an interesting watch.