Door Industry Journal - Spring 2016

21 THE door industry journal spring 2016 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk industry news EFIA ANNOUNCES RECORD MEMBERSHIP DESPITE STRINGENT ENTRY CRITERIA The European Fencing Industry Association (EFIA) has announced record membership numbers at the start of 2016, despite their renowned rigorous entry criteria. With their members typically ‘at the top of their game’, they are known to fulfil not only their statutory obligations, but can demonstrate the provision of the highest quality products and services. The voice of the fencing industry and prominent as a ‘hands-on organisation for a hands- on industry’, EFIA, has been serving the professional needs of the fencing industry since 1982 and has almost 100 members, including fencing contractors, manufacturers, stockists, installers, and other individuals and organisations involved within the industry. EFIA is ‘not a club with badge that can be bought’, but rather a professional trade association with stringent entry criteria representing the interests of the best companies in the fencing industry, as Chairman, Bernard Kilbride explains: “We are recognised across the industry as having very high standards and there are conditions of entry.” he says. “To be accepted as a member of EFIA, businesses are required to demonstrate that they have the support and respect of their suppliers, are established on a sound financial basis, meticulously uphold health and safety obligations and operate both legally and professionally. By maintaining these values, we are assured that each EFIA member is upholding the principles and ideals that we wish the industry to be known for.” In return, EFIA fully supports their members on a daily basis, allowing them get on with the all-important task of selling and installing fences: “We provide free customer credit checks for our members, undertake free CHAS assessments, assist members with training, help members get paid following complex contractual disputes and represent our members’ interests on a range of industry groups and developmental meetings, such as Lantra, BSi, FISS/CSCS, NHSS, UK Contractors Group, National Specialist Contractor’s Council and ConstructionLine. These are just a few of the many benefits we provide.” explains Kilbride. “In addition, our newly formed partnership with Build UK allows our members to access their professional helplines, which offer guidance on issues such as employment, health and safety, tax, business, training, legal matters and fair payment.” For further information on EFIA member benefits, please visit http://www.efia.co.uk/why-join-us/ or call 01873 880808. GARAGE DOOR SYSTEMS SPONSORS CANCER RESEARCH FUNDRAISER “ASK AN ARCHITECT” EVENT. For one weekend only, architects in every corner of Northern Ireland are volunteering their time and expertise to give advice to the public on their building projects, whether large or small, to help raise funds for cancer research. Throughout the ask an architect weekend on 16th/17th April 2016 over 80 architects from more than 60 architectural practices across Northern Ireland will be offering hour long consultations in return for a minimum charitable donation of £40. Donations will go to the Jill Todd Trust that was set up to commemorate Jill whose life was taken by cancer. Jill was 23 and the daughter of local architect Barrie Todd. The trust will present every penny of funds raised through ask an architect to the Friends of the Cancer Centre to support research into a cure for cancer at Belfast City Hospital. Martin Hare, President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone thinking of renovating or extending their current house, building a new home or undertaking any other construction project. You can get expert advice and support cancer research at the same time.” Speaking at the launch of the initiative Peter Doherty, Managing Director of Garage Door Systems, said: “This is such a great cause and we are delighted to be supporting the ask an architect initiative. You might just want to see what’s possible with the space and budget you have or perhaps you’re further down the line and need some problems solved. This is the weekend to do it.” EFIA Chairman, Bernard Kilbride