Events Archives

Celebrating our award-winning team

Posted on 22nd January 202421st October 2025 by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]2023 was a bumper year for achievement at Sapphire.

Between launching our ultra-low carbon Next Generation suite, conducting a live fire test alongside Efectis in Ireland and raising over £600,000 for charity, we felt like we put our stamp on last year in a pretty permanent way.

But that’s not all – we were the proud recipients of several industry awards throughout the year and we’d like to dedicate this blog to our team’s successes in 2023. Here’s what our award-winning team got up to last year.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_carousel images=”13469,13470,13471″ notch=””][sapphire_textBlock]

Willmott Dixon Supply Chain Award

It was an honour for our Business Development Team members, Elston Gurr and Clyde Henry, to be present at the awards ceremony to receive the Willmott Dixon Supply Chain award.

Steven Doyle, Supply Chain Manager for Willmott Dixon, commended our team for their excellent service and expressed his hope for a continued positive relationship in 2024 and beyond.

We’d like to express our gratitude to Willmott Dixon for recognizing our efforts, commitment and ongoing working relationship – we’ve proudly displayed the award in our head office for the whole team to see.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_carousel images=”13474,13473,13472″ notch=””][sapphire_textBlock]

Wates Innovation Award

Next up, we were the recipient of the Wates Group’s Sustainability, Environment and Innovation award.

This meant a lot to us at Sapphire – it’s fantastic to know that our work on launching our Vision 2030 document, our work on committing to the Science-Based Target initative (SBTi) and our work on creating our #KinderBalconies hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Wates were incredibly gracious in what they said about us, saying:

“The winner of the Sustainability award is a company who are always leading. Their approach to balconies and leading with Science Based Targets, Sustainable innovations and their approach to our projects is why they have won this category”.

We’d like to express some further gratitude to Wates – we’ve spent the last 32 years striving to be an innovative company and being recognized for our efforts means a great deal, thank you![/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_carousel images=”13475,13476″ notch=””][sapphire_textBlock]

The Business Magazine Tech Company of the Year Award

Finally, Sapphire were the honoured winners of The Business Magazine’s Tech Company of the Year award in the Thames Valley region.

The judges were incredibly kind in their comments, saying[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_quoteBlock]”Sapphire took the definition of ‘technology’ to a new level. It extends beyond digital hardware, software and cloud systems. What stood out to us was the extent to which their definition of technology had existed beyond that and into their very DNA. Their seemingly endless pursuit of innovation sits at the heart of everything they do and could be seen and heard in the way that they talk, the way that they think, and in the way that we could see people are encouraged to share and explore new ideas and opportunities.”[/sapphire_quoteBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]In our acceptance speech, Kevin Bonnar and Zdravka Petrova had this to say:

“The judges said we have technology in our DNA and this comes from our founder and his two sons. They like to invent and never stand still, which keeps us all on our toes. Technology breakthroughs for us include the latest evolution of our balcony system and our recently launched curved balcony system, which is a game changer for us”.

We’re incredibly proud to be the recipients of this award, a huge thank you to The Business Magazine for their kind words and for the boost it gave us going into 2024.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Winning awards isn’t everything. Of course it’s not. But bringing together our staff, celebrating their success, boosting morale and acknowledging that as a unit, we’re stronger, is absolutely worth praising.

Having an award-winning team means working better from early engagement to finished installation, and our Next Generation balconies are the proof that our team deserves the acclaim they’ve been getting.

Congratulations Team Sapphire, you deserve it![/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_imageBlock image=”13751″ notch=”” height=””][/sapphire_imageBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Pre-fab balconies at The Buildings Show 2023

Posted on 8th December 202321st October 2025 by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Between an innovative CLT connection and a balcony design that stood out amongst the crowd – The Buildings Show was a fantastic opportunity for us to meet and greet Canadian professionals and show off our Next Generation suite of balconies.

Our Next Generation balcony, which is lighter, faster, and kinder than any other balcony on the market. If you missed out, don’t fret – we listened to what you had to say and collected some answers to some of the most crucial questions you had about our pre-fab Next Generation balconies.

Here’s how our Next Generation balcony could truly benefit your next residential project.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”13430,13431,13432,13433,13434,13435″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Connecting balconies to timber

A question that kept coming up was how we can connect to a cross-laminated (CLT) or mass timber framework – Our balconies have an innovative connection system that can connect to many building frameworks including CLT.

Unlike concrete, CLT is a relatively light building material and does not need to be cast in place. Brackets can be fixed to the top of the CLT slab at an angle to maximise pull-out resistance from the balcony moment forces and tested in advance to confirm structural integrity. One of the advantages of Sapphire’s system is that the light weight means it can be used with CLT. Our innovative Next Generation Cassette solution can be used as the structural integrity of the frame can be maintained even with the heavier steel anchor arms.

Read our full article on connecting to CLT brackets here:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”13427″ heading=”Connecting to CLT brackets” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fnews%2Fglide-on-variation-connecting-to-clt-brackets%2F|title:Glide-On%20Variation%3A%20Connecting%20to%20CLT%20brackets” double_height=””]Find out how our modular balcony system connects to CLT by reading the full article here.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Built-in thermal breaks

With an increased focus on LEED, TEDI and Passive House – thermal performance is crucial. So if you make penetrations in a building’s façade, how can you maintain thermal performance?

Simple. Our balconies are future-ready and pre-fabricated off-site. On the site itself, small penetrations are made in the building façade that we’ve incorporated a small thermal break into. Each of these small penetrations can achieve a reduction in heat loss without the need for a continuous linear thermal break.

In fact, built-in thermal breaks can be simpler to achieve than a linear thermal break in many circumstances and function at an even higher level of performance than traditional concrete alternatives. To enable the continuity of fire barrier integrity, we created the StubGuard® to improve this performance even further.

To know more, just ask us about the Sapphire StubGuard, or visit the link below:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”6503″ heading=”StubGuard®” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Four-product%2Fanchors-stubs%2Fstubguard%2F|title:StubGuard%C2%AE” double_height=””]Learn about Sapphire’s StubGuard solution by visiting the product page.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Cold weather performance

How do modular balconies protect buildings from the cold?

Between using a material that doesn’t crack in the cold weather, unlike traditional concrete balcony building methods, and including our previously mentioned built-in thermal breaks, pre-fab balconies are the best way to protect a residential unit from the cold without having to sacrifice outdoor living space.

Sapphire has been supplying and installing balconies for many years and has amassed a large amount of knowledge and experience in effective balcony solutions to increasing demand for improved thermal performance, off-site prefabrication and reduced structural loadings.

Our balconies have been thoroughly examined by RDH, successfully tested for Freeze-Thaw and Cold Weather performance and we’ve collected our findings in a new whitepaper, available for request via the below link.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”13334″ heading=”Freeze-Thaw Whitepaper” button_text=”Download whitepaper” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fwhite-papers%2Ffreeze-thaw-cold-weather-performance-of-sapphire-balconies-whitepaper%2F|title:Freeze-Thaw%20%26%20Cold%20Weather%20Performance%20of%20Sapphire%20Balconies%20%E2%80%93%20whitepaper” double_height=””]Request the full whitepaper to understand how our balconies perform in freezing weather.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Bespoke design

Sapphire’s Next Generation balconies have a huge number of design possibilities that can be catered to your architectural design needs.

We’ve increased not just the number of connection methods available with the Next Generation Balcony but increased the aesthetic freedom for your design and architecture team too. Thanks to our new Clip-On™ connection, the Next Generation Balcony clips into small hooks integrated into the façade just like a seatbelt. Furthermore, we’re proud to introduce the Crescent Corner Cassette®, Identité Balustrade and Crescent Balustrade as options for your balcony balustrade, each available in hundreds of colors for a total of over 7 million aesthetic combinations.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Appearance vs. Concrete

Finally, we were overwhelmed with comments on just how good our system looks. Thanks to working with aluminum, we can not only control the design, but also the aesthetic that comes along with it.

Premium Quality – Factory-controlled stage-by-stage quality control processes guarantee a premium balcony.
Finished Deck & Underside – With neat aluminum soffits underneath and decking included as standard, Sapphire’s Next Generation balconies have an enhanced street appeal and take the aesthetic appeal of your building to the next level.
Discreet Fixings – Sapphire’s Next Generation balconies have been carefully engineered to avoid visible welds and keep fixings discreet. Every single balcony comes with soffits included which complete the underside and maintain a clean, simple aesthetic.
Balconies That Fit Every Time – We provide templates with our cast-in anchors. These templates avoid reinforced concrete frame casting mismeasurements and avoid the traditional bolt-on or concrete balcony misalignment issues, which can cause coordination issues and variations.

To understand even more about the benefits of our Next Generation aluminum balconies, download this whitepaper:

/knowledge/aluminium-concrete-balconies/[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”12004″ heading=”Aluminum vs. Concrete Balconies” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Faluminium-concrete-balconies%2F|title:Aluminium%20vs%20Concrete%20Balconies” double_height=””]Read our full article demonstrating the differences between our innovative aluminum solution and traditional concrete.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

What’s next?

You asked, we answered. Sapphire have got the future-ready balconies that North America is after.

That’s it. No greenwashing, true carbon reduction and a lighter, safer, kinder product with more possibilities than ever before that we’re proud to call the Next Generation.

Are you ready to be part of the future of construction? The Next Generation is here and can be specified for your residential project today.

Contact us to find out even more:[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Sapphire team are raising money for Multiple Sclerosis Society

Posted on 12th August 20202nd July 2025 by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Why are we supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society? Well, quite simply, it’s because we understand that the Covid-19 pandemic presents new worries and challenges for those who live with MS and their families. The effects of this condition on the physical and mental health are held particularly close to our hearts as many members in our company have family members or know those who have MS and understand the severity and disabling nature of the disease which is yet to have a cure found.

Guided by our principle ‘innovation to prosper the community‘, we believe that in these times we should not decrease, but increase our level of charitable giving and do whatever we can to support those facing further difficulties.

So this month, company-wide we have decided to rally behind an organisation that centres in supporting, campaigning, and researching for the MS community – MS Society.

For every pound, a Sapphire staff member donates, Sapphire has pledged to 10x their donation, capped at £3,000.

The MS Society is a UK- wide community made up of people living with MS, researchers, fundraisers, campaigners, and volunteers. Their work is based on the hopes and aspirations of the MS community. Together they campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research, and provide award-winning support and information. Whether living with MS or caring about someone who does, The Multiple Sclerosis Society is there for them through the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Please encourage our team in the various activities they have pledged to do this month, and give generously to our cause!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sapphire-balconies-ms-society

[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_videoBlock video=”” video_url=”https://youtu.be/gJcQdnrroaU”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][sapphire_cta background_colour=”Green” custom_background_image=”” heading_colour=”Dark Blue” heading=”Sponsor Our Team Today!” text_colour=”Dark Blue” button_colour=”White” button_text=”Sponsor Today >” button_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.justgiving.com%2Ffundraising%2Fsapphire-balconies-ms-society||target:%20_blank|” alignment=”Left”]Sponsor our team on Just Giving to help us reach our target![/sapphire_cta][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][sapphire_cta background_colour=”Dark Blue” custom_background_image=”” heading_colour=”White” heading=”Charity Initiatives” text_colour=”White” button_colour=”Green” button_text=”Learn More” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fabout-us%2Fcharity%2F|title:Charity||” alignment=”Left”]Our guiding principle is “innovation to prosper the community”.[/sapphire_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Roundtable Summary: Reducing Fire Risk – The Shard

Posted on 7th February 2020 by sapphireadmin

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The Highrise Resibuild event at The Shard on the 6^th February was a hive of activity with two morning roundtables, 7 CPDs and a keynote speech. The roundtables in the morning involved a gathering of industry influencers, one table discussed the challenge of reducing fire risk while the other debated speed vs quality and the value of MMC. For the remainder of the day we focussed primarily on fire risk in high rise residential construction with a range of CPD providers covering all aspects of high-rise construction.

At the fire roundtable attendees discussed recent residential fires and the standards followed by the industry. One example raised was the difference between the construction and automobile industries. Car manufacturers must meet the minimum of the MOT standards, but this is the baseline not the standard they aim for. One attendee raised the point of the lack of standardisation in buildings arguing that while the car industry is driven by producing a high volume each building is based on an individual scenario. Hackitt identified this as a major need for change in the industry and that the focus should be on the outlook rather than box-ticking.

At the speed vs quality roundtable there was a lively debate about the benefits and concerns surrounding adoption of MMC. One point raised was that in modular construction there is a strong need to ensure all the components come together seamlessly. To achieve this, high standards of quality control are needed with greater integration of suppliers.

A further point raised was the risk of a skills shortage and the impact this will have on on-site labour. A pitfall of on-site construction is the disparity between what is specified and what is carried out on site. A key point raised was the difference in offsite manufacture is the level of oversight and quality control that ensures the specification is fully carried out.

At both roundtables the consensus was that in each industry challenge an important part of the solution is collaboration and cooperation between professionals throughout the supply chain.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1594300923020{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”]

See Resibuild seminars

Find out more

Watch our 15 minute fire presentation video

Watch

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column]

Further useful links

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column width=”1/2″]

Download our Laminate Glass Whitepaper

Download

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Roundtable Summary: Reducing Fire Risk – The Shard

Posted on 7th February 202018th June 2025 by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]The Highrise Resibuild event at The Shard on the 6^th February was a hive of activity with two morning roundtables, 7 CPDs and a keynote speech. The roundtables in the morning involved a gathering of industry influencers, one table discussed the challenge of reducing fire risk while the other debated speed vs quality and the value of MMC. For the remainder of the day we focussed primarily on fire risk in high rise residential construction with a range of CPD providers covering all aspects of high-rise construction.

At both roundtables the consensus was that in each industry challenge an important part of the solution is collaboration and cooperation between professionals throughout the supply chain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCz4ixooz7w[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1594300923020{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][sapphire_contentLink order=”Content left / image right” image=”6635″ heading=”See Resibuild seminars” button_text=”Find out more” button_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.resi.build%2Fevent-details|||”][/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1594300923020{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”6377″ heading=”Watch our 15 minute fire presentation video” button_text=”Watch” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fvideo%2F|||”][/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Further useful links

[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][sapphire_cta background_colour=”Green” custom_background_image=”” heading_colour=”White” heading=”Download our Laminate Glass Whitepaper” text_colour=”White” button_colour=”White” button_text=”Download” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Ffire-safety%2Flaminate-whitepaper%2F|||” alignment=”Left”][/sapphire_cta][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][sapphire_cta background_colour=”Green” custom_background_image=”” heading_colour=”White” heading=”Read more about the cladding ban” text_colour=”White” button_colour=”White” button_text=”Find out more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Ffire-safety%2Fcladding-ban-summary%2F|||” alignment=”Left”][/sapphire_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tackling UK Balcony Fires Event – The Gherkin

Posted on 22nd November 20183rd July 2025 by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Tackling UK Balcony Fires Event – The Gherkin

**Event now complete**

View the event summary here.

Original Post:

We are hosting a Free event to tackle UK balcony fires. Join us at The Gherkin, Monday 3rd December 2018.

The theme for the event is reducing fire risk on balconies on high rise residential buildings. The event will start with an industry leadership roundtable panel discussing key direction for the future. We will also be launching a range of Class A1 and A2 fire rated decking products.

Join construction industry professionals for a day of discussion on reducing fire risk in residential buildings. We would like to invite you to attend our 30min Fire Presentation, at 12:00PM or 14:30PM, which reviews the fires which have happened on balconies and explores best practices for the future.

There is also a wider 1 hour, balcony design CPD at both 13:00PM & 15:00PM should you be interested in exploring balcony design in a broader way.

This event will be CPD Accredited and all presentations will be offering CPD points. Certificates will be issued to confirm this.

When: 3rd December 2018
Where: 38th Floor, The Gherkin, St Mary’s Axe

If you are interested in attending any of these presentations, please register your interest here.

We Look forward to seeing you at the event![/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”5359″ heading=”Upcoming Events” button_text=”Explore Upcoming Events” button_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.resi.build%2Fupcoming-events-cpd-s|target:_blank”]Join Industry experts at one of our upcoming events[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Join us at the Explore Offsite Conference!

Posted on 3rd September 20183rd July 2025 by Sajjad B

We are glad to announce that we will be exhibiting at the Explore Offsite North West, on 12th September 2018!

Explore Offsite is a series of one day conference and exhibitions creating a platform for construction clients and their professional advisers to explore the latest offsite construction solutions, providing a dynamic and interactive learning experience for all visitors.

As modular solutions are a fast developing trend in the residential building sector, we are looking forward to meeting with industry professionals to explore the latest offsite construction solutions.

Forward-thinking construction companies are now either investing in their own state-of-the-art offsite manufacturing or working with modular supply chain partners to provide safer, quicker and more efficient delivery with guaranteed quality and associated savings in time and cost.

What’s leading the trend?

There are a mixture of key industry factors including labour shortages, Brexit uncertainty and the skills shortage, efficiency and speed of build critical to tackling these constraints. Coupled with this is the Post-Grenfell industry recognition of tighter control of construction products throughout the specification and construction phases. Sapphire is at the forefront of this trend when it comes to offsite-manufactured balconies. Thanks to our commitment to product innovation we have developed pioneering balcony design and installation techniques for beautiful, high quality balconies that can be installed faster than any other on the market and with improved safety. Constructed offsite, Sapphire’s patentprotected Glide-On™ system is the first real alternative to traditional balcony design and construction, combining the benefits of pre-fabricated Cassette® balconies with rapid installation using our own innovative connectors.

Offsite in action

Sapphire’s Glide-On™Cassette® Balconies are well proven on modular construction projects, one of which is Pomona Wharf in Manchester. The development’s two high-rise buildings were constructed as complete precast concrete solutions, to enable a rapid modular construction concept. Working in tandem with the build programme, Sapphire manufactured over 100 balconies for the project in its lean production facility offsite and held them as fully assembled units in secure offsite storage until required. Sapphire began scheduled deliveries of balcony units to site. Individual balconies, including glass balustrades and sub-deck, were installed by lifting them into position and ‘Glide-On™ ’ to the arms – saving time and minimising crane hire and associated site costs.

After hitting the initial target of 23 balconies in one day, Sapphire’s installer partner at Pomona Wharf went on to install a further 34 balconies in just 6 hours and 13 minutes during another day. That’s an amazing install average of just 10.9 minutes per balcony – a new record for Sapphire’s offsite manufactured solution and beyond the possibilities of traditional bolt-on balconies. Sapphire’s fast-track install method, using its Glide-On™ balcony connector concept, made it possible to achieve this record with just three installers and one crane (in two set up positions).

If you haven’t booked

If you haven’t booked onto the conference, it’s not too late. You can book onto the conference – https://www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/book/

We look forward to seeing you on the 12th September at the University of Salford, Manchester.