Door Industry Journal - Spring 2016

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal spring 2016 OPEN DOORS Chairman’s Comments THE DHF SPRING FORWARD The UK may be in a state of confusion as to whether we stay in EU or leave and I am sure by the time it comes to voting we will have all had our fair share of the spin that surrounds it. At the Door & Hardware Federation there is no confusion and we know exactly where we’re heading. As our new financial year approaches there is a vibrant buzz around the office and everyone is enthused about the activities we have planned for 2016. The 3-year business plan is in hand and this year promises to be an exciting and busy one for the DHF and its members. One area we’ve invested in and we’re all excited about is marketing. There is an exhilarating and demanding time ahead with what is already scheduled in the preliminary marketing plan. This year will see more representatives of the DHF out and about with the remit of increasing awareness of the DHF. The eventful year has already kicked off with us exhibiting at the NSI Installers Summit held at the National Motorcycle Museum on March 10th, which was hugely successful in terms of raising awareness of the DHF to NSI participants. The year continues with us showing our support to some of our members who are exhibiting at the National Homebuilding and Renovation Show at the NEC in Birmingham in April. This is closely followed up with the DHF hosting a pavilion at IFSEC 21st – 23rd June 2016 at Excel in London. This is a great opportunity for us to show a very large audience over a 3-day period, what we’re about. If you’re a member of the DHF you can join our pavilion at some very good negotiated rates, and if you’re not a member, come and have a chat with us, you might like what you see. We will also have a stand in the Powered Gate Group pavilion as part of Fencex on 12th October 2016 at NAEC in Warwickshire, which forms part of our Powered Gate Group Gate Safety Week initiative. All this gadding about doesn’t mean that we’ll be neglecting other areas of marketing though. We have other initiatives planned, some of which are very ambitious, such as a complete overhaul of DHF literature and branding to bring our image into the 21st Century and a new long awaited website. Plans are already in place and being actioned to make all this happen. You’ll need to keep a close eye on us because we’re moving that fast our feet won’t be touching the ground. A bit like those spin doctors working for or against Europe! Bob Perry, DHF CEO A regular comment column, brought to you by Bob Perry, CEO, Door and Hardware Federation For more information, please visit www.dhfonline.org.uk THE MASTER LOCKSMITHS ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH LOCKSMITHS IN IRELAND The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) – the UK’s leading trade body for the locksmithing profession – has partnered with the Associated Locksmiths of Ireland (A.L.O.I.). The collaboration will see the MLA share its resources and support the running of the Irish association. The MLA, which boasts an impressive 50+ year track record of promoting and advising the locksmithing industry, will extend its support to the A.L.O.I., by handling all its communications and administering accreditation certificates. The A.L.O.I. will continue to manage the day to day running of the association with the administrative support of the MLA. Dr Steffan George, development director of the MLA, said: “We are delighted to be working with our Irish neighbours, the A.L.O.I. and hope that by sharing our resources, experience and knowledge, both the associations will go from strength to strength. The partnership with the MLA presents many opportunities beneficial to A.L.O.I. members. As of February 2016, all A.L.O.I. members will become personal members of the MLA, allowing them access to the MLA’s technical support network, forums and magazine – all of which are valuable resources for those working in the profession”. Michael D’Arcy, Chairman of the A.L.O.I. said: “Over many years a mutual respect and strong bond has built between both our Associations. For some time now, A.L.O.I. have been working closely with the Private Security Authority which is our state agency for the regulation of security services in Ireland To this end we hope to be one of the first European countries to have government licensing of companies and individuals providing locksmith services and should see its introduction by early 2017. Our alliance with the MLA will strengthen our position as the leading locksmith Association in Ireland and we look forward to working together on all of the exciting opportunities ahead”. For more information, please visit www.locksmiths.co.uk or www.aloi.ie .