RoofWright News
UK Firm develops Revolutionary US Sunroom App
RPS, developers of the RoofWright conservatory sales software have created a revolutionary new iPad app for sunroom sales in the US.
The app allows a dealer to quickly create a design on an iPad in front of the consumer, superimpose it on a picture of their house or garden, and show them the various options in minutes. A proposal can then be printed or emailed within moments.
"This app will give our dealers a major advantage over the competition" says Shaun Kennedy, CEO of Four Seasons Sunrooms. "The US sunroom industry is incredibly competitive, and dealers need every edge they can get".
"This is a great example of UK/US collaboration" says Dave Blakeman, Managing Director of RPS RoofWright. RPS developed the app in the UK, and it will be supported by our sister company Planright Software Inc, in the US.
Four Seasons is one of the largest sunroom companies in the US, and is owned by Brian Kennedy, who is also the owner of Ultraframe and Quantal in the UK.
RPS shortlisted for Guardian's Best Practice Exchange Competition
We have been shortlisted for the Guardian’s Best Practice Exchange competition! Our story of how we successfully and innovatively manage our cashflow will be featured in the Guardian’s Small Business Network. Read our shortlisted entry below (taken from http://www.guardian.co.uk/small-business-network/2012/nov/20/small-business-network-best-practice-exchange-shortlist-cashflow):
Visualising variables: using software to keep on top of finances
RPS Limited uses a pictorial computer programme based on a recurring income model to predict its cashflow
Dave Blakeman has seen good businesses go under through failing to get a grip on their cashflow and decided many years ago that it was essential to get a handle on cashflow prediction for his own company, RPS Limited.
RPS has created software tools to help installers of windows, conservatories and orangeries sell their products. Blakeman, its managing director, says the 3D visualisation programme, Roofwright, enables his customers to show potential clients how their homes will be improved by a conservatory or new windows – giving their products more allure and making them much easier to sell.
"This software lets my customers survey a house and makes it possible for the homeowner to see what transformation is possible," Blakeman says. "Home improvements are aspirational, high value purchases and if a customer can actually see what it will look like, they are more likely to take the leap because the potential for confusion is eliminated."
Such a clear vision is also essential, says Blakeman, when it comes to predicting cashflow for his own business. The software engineer had found that cashflow issues at RPS had been complicated by the lapse between prediction and actual events. He wanted his 12-strong workforce to take ownership of the importance of cashflow and needed them to understand how it worked for their business.
RPS leases Roofwright to its customers and apart from new business, many of the company's revenues can be confidently predicted. Armed with the benefit of software expertise, Blakeman developed a pictorial computer programme based on a recurring income model which gives clear predictions of where RPS's cashflow is heading and allows staff to respond accordingly.
With as many as 400 ongoing customer contracts, Blakeman says existing income is easy to predict, as are costs like VAT, rent and other standard outgoings.
His cashflow model gives staff an overarching look at what effect variables can have on the future of their business and Blakeman believes this understanding incentivises them.
"It is very empowering for my workforce," he explains. "As soon as they understand how cashflow works, their performance in selling the product and in maintaining customer relations improves."
"They are able to easily see the value of a customer over 10 years. Losing a client is not just about losing a few months rent. In the long-term it costs the business dearly. Staff have more stake in the business if they understand what drives it."
"I want them to feel that they have their own interest in the company's future and I believe this helps," he says.
Blakeman explains that the model is easy to tweak to take account of new variables. Predicting future income merely means introducing a "what if" when the company introduces a new product with a predicted growth rate.
"This model is the key to our decision making. I've shown it to a number of people on a business development programme recently, and many of them thought it was so simple and understandable they could communicate it back to their staff."
Made by Britain
RPS Ltd has been nominated by MP Andrew Stunell as a leading example of manufacturing from the Hazel Grove constituency. Take a look at our nomination:
The Associate Parliamentary Manufacturing Group (APMG) exists to encourage the exchange of knowledge and understanding between Parliament and the manufacturing industries, helping to raise the profile of manufacturing both inside and outside of Parliament.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Rapid Prototyping Systems Ltd, creators of Roofright, is extremely proud to have been selected as a participant on the 10,000 Small Businesses programme in the North West.
10,000 Small Businesses is designed to unlock the economic and job creation potential of small businesses and social enterprises operating in the United Kingdom. The programme is targeted at small businesses and social enterprises with clear ambitions to expand. The goal of the programme is to provide participants with tools and resources to help them lay the foundation for long-term sustainable growth and job creation in their communities.
10,000 Small Businesses is funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation and is delivered in the North West in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University Business School
FrameWright Launched
RPS RoofWright is delighted to announce the launch of our new FREE FrameWright Window Sales Software.
Quotyes to the same high standard as RoofWright drawings can be produced, ad a 3D image of the frame can be rotated and used to explain the details to your customers.
Why is it Free?
FrameWright is offered free of charge to allow potential customers to see the quality and ease-of-use of our software, and for the benefit of existing customers. Hence it will alwasy be free. In fact, a free update including composite doors and vertical sliders will be launched next month.
To obtain your FREE download simply visit www.roofwright.com/framewright December 2010
RPS Blogs
RoofWright 7.2 is here!
Another exciting version of RoofWright has been released. RoofWright 7.2 includes some exciting new features as well as some great enhancements to existing features. A preview video will be released later this week.
Here are just a few features to wet your appetite:
- Vertical Sliders for orangeries & houses - with pricing support & stunning 3D visuals.
- Improved Composite Doors - more realistc 3D, easy to use wizard to pick correct slab style & glass family combinations.
- Further improvements for Window Sales - Astragal bars, margin leading, trickle vents, door knockers & letterbox options & garage doors
- Cut-outs for Ridges/Wallplates - Lean-tos and single ridge/bay designs support ridge & wallplate cut-outs in the template options.
- New Photo Window Overlay Tool - manipulate each window for absolute control, full support for bays, leading, bevels, door panels & more.
- Export 3D to other products - Full 3D conservatory models can now be exported into .dae format (Collada for import into other 3D design/rendering programs).
- New Photo Editor - improved lighting, colour & contrast tools, photo perspective correction tools, add additional images onto your photo to add a more personal finish to your quotations & presentations.
As long as you have support, this all singing all dancing release will be coming through your door in the next couple of days. To renew you support go to:
RoofWright 7 Released
The better your business does, the better our business does. So in the current tough climate we've now released the most powerful version of Roofwright ever, to help you sell more at higher prices.
Roofwright 7 is the culmination of £2 Million in investment and 13 years work to develop the world's favourite conservatory, window and orangery sales software.
New features include the ability to visualise 3D presentations of bay and bow windows, composite doors and a massive variety of orangeries.
Existing users with a valid support contract will have received their update free of charge by now.
Support Amnesty
As a special concession to users with an expired support contract, we're offering a support amnesty. Users have until October 31st to renew their support contract at no additional cost - after this date a premium of £100+VAT will be chargeable.
November 2010
Conservatory Terms Explained
We've lost count of how many times we've had to explain the weird and wonderful terms used with conservatories.
So we've released our FREE guide to conservatory terms - please feel free to download it and print it for your customers.
October 2010
RoofWright Directors Meet Bob Geldof
As you're probably aware, as a business we've done some pretty innovative marketing over the last couple of years. Part of this work has involved us attending a variety of events around the world.
Over the summer, we had the privilege to meet with Bob Geldof, one of the most inspiring people I've ever come across. He gave a great talk about his background, but the thing which came across strongest was that everybody limits their success by their sense of what is possible. Change that and you can (literally in his case) change the world.
New RoofWright Website Launched
We have launched our new look website, we hope you find it easier to use and welcome any comments or suggestions to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
August 2010
RoofWright Drawing Service launched
Today RPS Limited announced the launch of their new drawing service. This allows customers to request electronic or hard-copy drawings of conservatories.
"This will enable those who don't currently use RoofWright to get a high quality drawing quickly" said Dave Blakeman, Managing Director. "This will raise the benchmark for conservatory presentations - a scribbled sketch these days is simply unacceptable".
February 2010
Infocus CRM
In the current climate, every single lead you can get matters, and to help make the most of your leads we'll be launching our new "Infocus" CRM system. This was originally developed by us for the US market and provides powerful support for the sales process, which is an essential in the incredibly competivie market over there. Web-based, the software can operate from almost anywhere, from lead taking on smart phones, to call centres and remote offices.
June 2010
RoofWright to Exhibit at G10 Belfast, 29-30 June
RoofWright will be visiting G10 in Belfast later this month. We'll be showing off the latest additions to our RoofWright Conservatory Software, and we'd love to meet up with customers - anyone visiting will be entitled to some stunning software bundles.
June 2010
RPS Software Scrappage Scheme Announced
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RPS today announced the introduction of its software scrappage scheme. Jon Twigge, Sales Director commented "There has been lots of talk recently of scrappage schemes. The government started the ball rolling with the car scrappage scheme, potentially worth up to 2000, around 20 percent off for small cars. More recently in our industry there have been calls for a window scrappage scheme to boost sales of double glazing. "Here at RPS we have decided that, because of the continuing recession, and our desire to help as many of you as possible to update to the latest state of the art conservatory software that we should introduce a software scrappage scheme to help you improve your profitability. "We however, have gone further than the government in two key ways. Firstly, in some cases we may beat the 20 percent off. Secondly there is no ten year old requirement to qualify. So, if you have a copy of a conservatory software package that you no longer want (or would rather replace), complete with a working dongle, then you can call us free to see if you qualify for a trade-in scrappage deal." The scheme includes obsolete software and even software from suppliers who are no longer in business. RPS recommends that potential customers call their sales hotline on 0800 567 7220.
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3rd November 2009
RoofWright 6-9 Update 2 Shipped Today
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RoofWright 6-9 Update 2 shipped today. This contains many minor fixes and enhancements, plus a MAJOR new feature for Express and Bronze users. Express and Bronze now includes the ability to export drawings to Autocad and Google SketchUp. This can save hours for you or your draftsman. Previously this feature was only available in RoofWright Silver, which made it an expensive option if the other features of RoofWright Silver were not required. Update 2 has been posted on CD to all customers with a valid support contract and should be with you within the next couple of days. If you don't have a current support contract, you can buy one online now and receive the CD in the next few days. To find out more about this update, see What's New in RoofWright 6-9 Update 2.
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14th August 2009
RoofWright MD Visits 10 Downing Street
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On Monday 22nd June, Dave Blakeman (Managing Director of RPS Limited) was present at a reception at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and First Secretary of State Peter Mandelson. He was invited as part of the government's "Building Britain's Future" initiative. RPS was invited as an acknowledgement of their innovation and export activities in the current difficult economic climate. RPS (the developers of RoofWright) has developed an American Joint Venture (Planright Software Inc) over the last 12 months, and is recognised as a small business with significant growth potential. "Unleasing Talent"Peter Mandelson gave a short speech acknowledging the contribution of British entrepreneurs. This was followed by an excellent speech by Gordon Brown, Prime Minister, who said "I believe that the countries that will succeed in the future, the countries that will do best in this new global economy are those who can unleash the talents, the creativity and enterprise of its citizens." "Feedback"After these speeches, Ministers mingled with the invitees asking them for feedback and suggestions. "I suggested a couple of things, and brought up the issue of VAT on energy-efficient products" said David Blakeman. "We were also asked for ideas on how to improve the visibility of UKTI, the UK's excellent but little known department dedicated to helping exporters. I was delighted to be invited and regard this as a great honour for everyone at RPS".
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23rd June 2009
RoofWright Support Subscriptions Launched
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From today it is possible to purchase RoofWright support online as a subscription. This means that payments can be spread monthly and that you never again need to worry about renewing your support. Try Before You BuyRPS is offering a free support call to any customer without a current support agreement so you can experience the standard of support they offer before you decided to purchase support - if you'd like to take advanteg of this, please call (0161) 426 1120. BenefitsHaving an up-to-date support contract offers the following benefits:
RoofWright support contracts can be renewed online here. *subject to reasonable usage
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24th April 2009
RoofWright 6-9 Update 1 is Released
RoofWright 6.9 has been our most popular version by far! With the inclusion of cut-outs through hips, printing and performance enhancements and changes throughout the program, it has received some amazing feedback.
To keep up with all the comments and minor issues we have received, Update 1 for RoofWright 6.9 has been made available on the website. It not only resolves various issues and glitches reported to us, but also adds improvements throughout the software:
- Better window styles, with support for different styles based on primary/secondary doors, inward/outward opening doors, bi-folding doors and more
- House Designer/planning options for showing the basework of the conservatory on planning reports instead of the roof
- Improved orangery support with the addition of decorative eaves into the Aluminium system
- Help tool to assist you in keeping your graphics drivers up-to-date
- Fixes and minor improvements throughout
Update 1 is available now from our website to all customers with a valid support contract. Click here to go to the download area.
For further information please call us on (0161) 426 1120 To renew your support contract online, click here.
19th March 2009
RPS Announces Reseller Agreement for Eden Window Manufacturing Software
RPS (the creators of RoofWright) today announced it has become an exclusive reseller for MPLogic's Eden window manufacturing software. Developed over the last 9 years, Eden has been quietly evolving to cover all elements of frame manufacture, from simple paper cutting lists to fully integrated machine centres and saw links. Eden integrates tightly with RoofWright, allowing manufactured frame sizes to be exported directly into Eden from Roofwright, removing the need to manually re-enter frame sizes. All coupler adjustments are deducted automatically, allowing complete confidence in frame manufacture.
In their first joint installation, Eden is now in use with K2 North America.
For full details of Eden, see here.
RoofWright now integrates with Eden, Business Micros Evolution and WindowMaker.
21st January 2009
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at RPS
It's coming to the end of 2008, and what a year it's been!
The conservatory industry has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but it's really good to see so many of our customers accepting the challenges and striving to continue to prosper through these difficult times.
At RPS we've not been immune to the current climate, but it has given us the valuable opportunity to build even stronger relationships with companies and help them through the tough times, streamlining and improving the efficiency of their businesses.
This year has still been an exciting year, with many new things happening to RoofWright. First there was the release of RoofWright 6.8, the most popular and fastest selling version of RoofWright ever. Then came our stunning Planning module to allow you to create drawings for planning permission, as well as extending RoofWright's 3D capabilities to show houses and other buildings (with or seperately from a conservatory).
This year also saw the release of the brand new RoofWright Gold Edition which is now the highest level of RoofWright available, and has been widely praised for it's excellent features. We've also seen even stronger relationships with our biggest customers, particularly Ultraframe with who we continue to work closely.
Next year RoofWright turns 10 years old, and to celebrate, there are exciting things to look out for. I can't say too much at the moment, but it'll be well worth regularly checking our website or even better, to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tips, news and information.
Whatever 2009 has in store for all of us, we'd like to wish everyone the very best of luck and hope that you go from strength the strength.
28th December 2008
RoofWright 6.9 Available Soon...
A new version of RoofWright is being prepared and will be available very early in 2009.
This new version benefits from wide-spread improvements and fixes throughout the program - the most extensive ever.
It also contains a whole new printing and reporting engine to provide improvements to printing and previewing as well as brand new Print Designer Pro report editing tool for those who have purchased this module. It also contains more flexibility for adding box gutters and cut-outs, improved tools for adding, changing and setting up windows and doors and more.
The list of improvements is extensive, but rest assured that whatever you use RoofWright for, you will find benefits in this version that make it a worthwhile upgrade.
All customers with valid, current support contracts at the time of release will receive RoofWright 6.9 in the post at no extra cost. If you don't have a support contract and are interesting in the new version, please contact us for more information.
28th December 2008
RoofWright Helps Sherborne win Conservatory Installer of the Year 2008!
We are pleased to announce that Sherborne (a long-standing RoofWright user) has won the prestigious G08 Conservatory Installer of the Year award.
Managing Director Chris Long says "‘When we started Sherborne in 1990 we made a clear commitment to put the customer first by providing complete professionalism and excellence in service, product and installation - these are not just words, these are the rules by which we run the business."
Above: Chris Long (centre) with compere Alexander Armstrong
22nd October 2008
RoofWright 6.8.1 has been updated
RoofWright 6.8.1 update 1 is now available to download from the Downloads section of this site. It is ONLY for those customers who purchased the Planning module, Window sales or Photo Editing modules.
Update 1 contains a large number of enhancements, changes and fixes for issues reported by customers over the past month since the release.
If you have RoofWright 6.8.1, it is highly recommended that you download and install this update to get the best out of RoofWright.
2nd October 2008
RoofWright Launches "LicenseSafe" License Protection Scheme
In the past, when a customer's license key ("Dongle") was stolen or lost, they had no choice but to purchase another license for the software. RPS today announced its new LicenseSafe initiative. LicenseSafe is a technical insurance scheme to allow a customer to "blacklist" a missing dongle and replace it for a small amount.
"This allows our customers to quickly get back up and running in the event of loss or theft of a dongle" says Jon Twigge, Sales Director, "In trials the mechanism has proven remarkably effective and the customers already using it have been extremely positive about it".
LicenseSafe is available to all existing customers for a nominal charge.
29th September 2008
RoofWright Exhibiting at the National Remodelling Show, Baltimore, USA
As part of our expansion into the US, RoofWright (and our US arm PlanRight) will be exhibiting at the National Remodelling Show in Baltimore from the 9th-12th September.
"This will be a prime opportunity for US companies interested in English Conservatories to see how sales software is used in England to generate improved profit" says Jennifer Lanigan, Director of Marketing for PlanRight. "We'll also be demonstrating the new PlanRight Software for Sunroom sales and pricing - we have already set the benchmark for other software companies to be measured against and we look forward to increasing our share of the market".
28th August 2008
RoofWright Referrals Programme Launched...
RPS has decided to reward our existing customers for helping spread the word about RoofWright. With this in mind, we've introduced the RoofWright Referral Programme.
Customers that refer new prospects have the chance to earn a complimentary case of wine as a way of saying thanks.
7th August 2008
RoofWright GOLD now available...
RoofWright GOLD Edition is the latest new thing from RPS. It takes its place at the very top of the RoofWright family tree as the absolute sales tool for conservatories and replacement frames.
In addition to ALL features already available in Express, Bronze and Silver Editions (such as bespoke designs and automatic pricing), it also includes window sales tools from the window sales module, firewall support (including simple brick orangeries), the new photo editing tool, replacement frames photo overlay tool to show your new frames on a customers house, photo layers tool and house and building designer to create 3D houses and other buildings alongside your conservatory.
25th July 2008
RoofWright Planning is here
After over 12 months of development, the RoofWright Planning Module is now here. This is now available to buy, today! You could be preparing planning proposals tomorrow.
No vapourware, no false launches, this is the real thing!
To find out more, click here.
1st July 2008
Thank you to all Glassex visitors
Glassex is now over for another year, and we would like to extend a big thankyou to all those who visited us on our stand.
Your feedback was very positive with a lot of interest in the new RoofWright Gold edition as well as the upcoming planning permission features (more details will be released soon).
As always, it was great to catch up with our existing customers - those who have helped us to make RoofWright what it is, as well as meeting potential new members of the RoofWright community. We hope that you all found Glassex a useful experience and hope to speak to you soon!
RPS & RoofWright are at Glassex 08
We are in Hall 4 on stand D1, on the right as you walk in. So come & talk to us. Pick our brains. Ask us questions. Tell us what you want.
We can also show you the NEW easy-to-use planning permission, gable wall, photo editor and window sales modules, plus the NEW RoofWright Gold which contains all of the above and more!
Also, as a visitor to the show,you are eligible to take advantage of our one month trial offer and our FREE 30 day money back GUARANTEE. See you there!
RoofWright 6.8 Update 1 has been released
An update has been made available to all users of RoofWright 6.8.0.156 (Aluminium and Timber version - this does not apply to customers who have special versions provided by other suppliers).
The update contains a number of changes, fixes and minor enhancements to the original 6.8 version, and is recommended for all valid 6.8 customers. It is especially important for all customers who have purchased the additional Window Module as it unlocks a number of additional features which you are entitled to.
For full details of what has changed in this update, click here. To download the update, click here.
RoofWright 6.8 is available from Feb 1st
The very latest version of RoofWright, version 6.8, will officially be launched on the 1st Feb 2008. All customers with valid support contracts will receive an updated version through the post shortly after this date.
RoofWright 6.8 is the best version of RoofWright ever! We've listened to our customers and made many changes to extend popular features, improve stability and performance and generally keep RoofWright on top as the market leading conservatory design product.
Even more exciting are the new features included in this version. These include support for fire walls, massive improvements for window and door frame orders, an exclusive print-out editing tool called Print Designer Express, support for frame offs and dogleg wall bars and much, much more.
For a full list of what's new in 6.8, click here.
Note: some of the new features are only available in specific Editions of RoofWright or as seperately purchaseable modules. Please see the full features list or the what's new guide for full details. Alternatively you can contact us for more information.
